South Africa achieved a comfortable 6-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the 2nd KFC T20 International at Senwes Park and clinched a series victory over their neighbours last Friday (12 October).
Zimbabwe batted first and made 132/7 before the Proteas batsmen put on the afterburners and stroked their way to 134/4 in reply. The pick of the SA batsmen were J.P. Duminy (33* from 26), and Quinton de Kock (26 from 23), who made light work of Zimbabwe’s target.
1) Pace bowling does the trick for SA
Previously, during the ODI series and the first T20 international, the leg spin of Imran Tahir had taken the bulk of the Zimbabwean wickets but, this past Friday in Potch, it was the turn of the seamers. On a high-scoring batting strip, Dane Paterson (2/22) bowled beautifully to take the man of the match award. Furthermore, the experienced Robbie Frylinck (2/20) also kept it nice and tidy and frustrated the Zimbabwean batsmen. Truth be told, the only time Zimbabwe looked like threatening the SA seam attack was when Hamilton Masakadza laid into Lungi Ngidi with two massive sixes.
2) Zimbabwe’s Williams shows his class
Sean Williams is one of the more underrated players in the Zimbabwe set up and, after failing with the bat for most of the South African tour, he showed what he can do in the second T20 International. Williams played superbly for his 41 (28) which included three sixes and two fours. His slog-sweeps off Tabraiz Shamsi’s bowling were truly a sight to behold.
3) Zimbabwe’s bowling attack shows fight
One of the more positive aspects in this match for Zimbabwe was their disciplined bowling attack with the likes of Christopher Mpofu, Sean Williams and Brandon Mavuta. They showed their skill despite defending a low total. Sure, the Proteas did achieve a comfortable victory but, at one stage, the Zimbabweans had SA on 58/3 and if they had had a larger score to defend, there might have been trouble.
4) Attendance figures show hunger for international cricket in Potch
Approximately 7 500 people showed up at Senwes Park for this international T20 encounter. It was one of the best-attended matches of the Zimbabwean tour. There is definitely a hunger for top-class cricket in Potch and more regular international matches will undoubtedly be taking place in the years to come. Although Senwes Park is not the biggest ground, it has a fantastic atmosphere and a top-class pitch and outfield, which always ensures exhilarating cricket. Thumbs up to North West Cricket for a job well done, once again.
