All not lost for experimental South Africa, despite crushing loss to New Zealand
Image: Zimbabwe Cricket
This tri-series in Zimbabwe has always been about experimentation for South Africa, and unsurprisingly it's seen the Proteas struggle.
South Africa crashed to a seven-wicket defeat in 15.5 overs to New Zealand in Harare on Tuesday. The Proteas posted a meagre 134/8 batting first, and it was not surprising to see the Kiwis knock off the runs without any trouble.
Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 41 from 37 balls, as skipper Rassie van der Dussen was promoted to open the innings, but was clean bowled in just the third over for 14.
Partnerships failed to materialise as number seven George Linde's unbeaten 23 from 15 was the next best score.
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Proteas Underperform Against New Zealand Again
Given it's a young and mostly inexperienced Proteas side, they can be forgiven for underperforming against New Zealand.
It's also something that we've seen before as South Africa sent an understrength side to take on New Zealand back in 2024 in their Test series, and were convincingly beaten by their hosts.
Of course, on that occasion it was because Cricket SA were understandably forced to keep their best players at home for the SA20 as the dates clashed.
Proteas Experiment with New Combinations in T20I Series Against Zimbabwe
This time, the Proteas and coach Shukri Conrad can't really be blamed for trying out some new combinations either. A T20I series in Zimbabwe is hardly up there in importance like the World Test Championship (WTC) final last month was, which South Africa duly won.
An outclassed Zimbabwe has been the whipping boys in the series, with South Africa beating them twice and New Zealand once in their three outings so far.
New Zealand take on Zimbabwe on Thursday, and it would take something of a miracle if the hosts were somehow able to emerge victorious.
It leaves then the final of the tri-series on Saturday between SA and New Zealand. A young gun like Lhuan-dre Pretorius, whose top score of 27 in four outings in the series so far has been disappointing and a world away from his record-breaking exploits in the preceding Test series.
With four matches under their belt though, Conrad will be hoping his young charges will produce a much-improved performance in the final to at least be competitive. Over to the youngsters.
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
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