South Africa off to a winning start against Zimbabwe in low-scoring opening match

South Africa survived a scare before eventually beating Zimbabwe by five wickets in the first one-day international at the Diamond Oval on Sunday.

Lungi Ngidi took three, while Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Imran Tahir chipped in with two wickets each as Zimbabwe crumbled to 117 all out in 34.1 overs. It was their lowest total in 39 internationals between the two countries and seemed to be a comfortable walkover for South Africa.

But chasing a modest target, South Africa found themselves in a spot of bother at 58/4 before wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen made run-a-ball 44 to take his side closest to a victory. JP Duminy and Willem Mulder the saw the Proteas home remaining unbeaten on 16 and 14 respectively.

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“It was a very indifferent wicket,” said South Africa’s stand-in captain JP Duminy at the post-match conference. “There was always something in it for the bowlers. Even though we bowled well it was quite a tough total to chase down.”

Earlier, South Africa had won the toss and sent Zimbabwe to bat. The decision had an immediate effect when Mire was dismissed for a duck at second slip off Ngidi in the third over. Wickets fell at regular intervals for Zimbabwe, whose innings never got going with only four batsmen reaching doubles figures.

Captain Hamilton Masakadza made 25, while Elton Chigumbura hit 27 and it was latter’s 24-run partnership with Peter Moor (13) that somehow helped Zimbabwe cross the 100-run mark. That stand was also the highest partnership in Zimbabwe’s innings.

“We were surprised how it played. If we had scored another 50 or 60 runs we would have been more competitive,” said Masakadza.

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“It was about keeping it simple, hitting your lengths and the wicket will do the rest,” added Ngidi, who was awarded the man of the match for his 8.1-1-19-3 spell.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, however, ensured that they wouldn’t go down without a fight as Tendai Chatara and Masakadza took two wickets each, while Brandon Mavuta chipped in with another as Zimbabwe had South Africa crumbling at 58/4 at one stage.

But Klaasen ensured no more hiccups with a well-constructed and measured inning.

Image Credit: Firstpost