Zimbabwe’s memorable ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended on Sunday as they fell to South Africa in their final Super Eight clash in New Delhi.
Hoping to cap off a breakthrough tournament, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza produced a brilliant all-round performance, scoring 73 off 43 balls and taking 3 wickets. Despite his heroics, South Africa chased down the target of 154 in 17.5 overs to secure a five-wicket victory and remain unbeaten in the Super Eight stage.
Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe started aggressively, posting 13 runs in the opening over, but early wickets pegged them back. Raza anchored the innings with key partnerships—38 runs with Dion Myers and 39 with Clive Madande—to help Zimbabwe reach 153/7 in 20 overs, with Madande finishing 26 not out.
South Africa rotated their squad, bringing in Anrich Nortje and Kwena Maphaka, both of whom made immediate impacts with the ball. Maphaka ended with 2/21, while Lungi Ngidi became South Africa’s highest T20 wicket-taker, surpassing Tabraiz Shamsi, by dismissing Ryan Burl.
Chasing 154, South Africa lost both openers early, but Dewald Brevis and David Miller stitched a 50-run partnership in 25 balls to shift momentum. Brevis struck two fours and four sixes, and with contributions from George Linde (30*) and Tristan Stubbs (21), the Proteas reached 154/5 with over two overs remaining, booking a semi-final clash against New Zealand in Kolkata on Wednesday.
