New Delhi, March 1 (NationPress) - South Africa has successfully maintained their unbeaten streak as they advance to the semi-finals of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. This victory came after they defeated Zimbabwe, led by their captain Sikandar Raza, who showcased an impressive all-round performance in their Super Eights match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, winning by five wickets.

Raza played a stunning innings, scoring 73 runs off 43 balls, helping Zimbabwe reach 153/7. He later showcased his bowling skills with figures of 3-29, including two early wickets during the power-play, leaving South Africa at a precarious 43/3. However, Dewald Brevis steadied the ship with a blistering 42 runs off 18 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours to swing the momentum back to the Proteas.

David Miller contributed a quick 22 runs before Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani and Raza each took a wicket, keeping Zimbabwe in the contest. South Africa's lower order ensured a smooth finish, with George Linde remaining not out on 30 and Tristan Stubbs scoring 21, leading the team to victory with 13 balls to spare. This result secures South Africa's place in the semi-finals in Kolkata against New Zealand, with them being the only team yet to suffer a loss in the tournament.

During the match, played on a pitch with a hint of grass, Raza thrilled the crowd of 17,500 with his excellent shot timing and placement. He was responsible for 12 of Zimbabwe's 13 boundaries during his innings, which spanned from overs 5-17. The only other significant contribution came from wicketkeeper Clive Madande, who scored an unbeaten 26 off 20 balls.

South Africa's bowlers kept the rest of the Zimbabwe lineup in check, with Kwena Maphaka, a teenage left-arm quick, impressing with 2-21, and Corbin Bosch adding 2-40 to his tally. Choosing to bat first, Tadiwanashe Marumani entertained the crowd with a one-handed reverse sweep attempt, although he quickly fell to Maphaka.

Despite Brian Bennett showing good form, his innings ended when he was dismissed by a rapid 145.8 kph delivery from Anrich Nortje. Raza began his innings with some luck, edging an early shot for four, which was followed by a series of impressive shots that lifted Zimbabwe's score to 45/2 at the end of the powerplay.

Though Raza continued to score freely, he eventually lost support from the other end as Zimbabwe's batting lineup faltered. He reached his fifty in just 29 balls, showcasing his aggressive style. Raza's innings concluded when he was caught off a surprising delivery from Maphaka.

With a total of over 150 looking threatened, Madande and Brad Evans ensured they surpassed that mark, finishing with 153 runs. South Africa's chase began with an early setback when Quinton de Kock fell to a slower ball from Raza. Raza struck again in his second over, bowling out Aiden Markram for just four runs.

Ryan Rickelton attempted to counterattack, hitting several sixes before falling to a catch at deep midwicket. Brevis shone with his no-look sixes and aggressive driving, while Miller backed him up with powerful boundaries. Despite Zimbabwe's efforts to fight back, South Africa ultimately clinched the match, with Linde and Stubbs steering them to victory with ease.

Summary of Match: Zimbabwe 153/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73, Clive Madande 26 not out; Kwena Maphaka 2-21, Corbin Bosch 2-40) lost to South Africa 154/5 in 17.5 overs (Dewald Brevis 42, Ryan Rickelton 31; Sikandar Raza 3-29, Brad Evans 1-22) by five wickets.