New Delhi, Mar 1 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza dazzled with a phenomenal score of 73 runs off just 43 deliveries, propelling his team to a total of 153/7 against South Africa during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights match on Sunday.

Amid a crowd of 17,500, Raza showcased his batting prowess on a pitch that had a hint of grass, delivering an entertaining performance with impeccable shot selection and timing. He accounted for 12 of Zimbabwe’s 13 boundaries during a key phase from overs 5 to 17. The only other notable contribution came from wicketkeeper Clive Madande, who scored an unbeaten 26 runs off 20 balls.

The South African bowlers effectively stifled the rest of the batting lineup, with young left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka impressively taking 2 wickets for just 21 runs, while Corbin Bosch added 2 wickets for 40 runs. The Proteas' regular bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen, were rested as they prepared for the semi-finals, allowing the fringe players to shine.

Opting to bat first, Tadiwanashe Marumani entertained the crowd by attempting a one-handed reverse sweep, though he failed to connect and lost his leg-stump to Maphaka shortly after.

The in-form Brian Bennett thrilled spectators with his elegant strokes but was dismissed by Anrich Nortje after a quick delivery of 145.8 kph. Dion Myers faced a tough challenge from Maphaka, while Raza began his innings with a fortunate edge that raced to the boundary off Corbin Bosch.

Raza's aggression quickly became apparent as he struck Bosch for both a six and another four, concluding the powerplay at 45/2. Upon Nortje's return in the eighth over, Raza continued to dominate, hitting a four and a six, followed by impressive sweeps off Aiden Markram.

As support dwindled, with Myers and Ryan Burl falling to Lungi Ngidi's slower ball and Bosch's seam delivery respectively, Raza pressed on, accumulating runs and reaching his half-century in just 29 balls.

With his momentum unbroken, Raza launched a powerful drive off Nortje for four, later sending another boundary off Ngidi. The excitement peaked when Raza executed a magnificent pull shot off Maphaka that sailed over mid-wicket for six. Meanwhile, Madande contributed with a boundary off Bosch. Unfortunately, Raza’s remarkable innings concluded when he was caught off a cutter from Maphaka.

Following Raza's departure, Zimbabwe's chances of surpassing 150 seemed precarious, but Madande's calculated drive off Nortje and a lofted six from Brad Evans ensured they finished with a respectable total despite Evans falling victim to Bosch.

Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 153/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73, Clive Madande 26 not out; Kwena Maphaka 2-21, Corbin Bosch 2-40) against South Africa