South Africa national cricket team march into semis unbeaten despite Sikandar Raza heroics

South Africa maintained their unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup, defeating Zimbabwe national cricket team by five wickets in a closely fought encounter in Delhi. Chasing 154, Aiden Markram’s men reached 154 for 5 to book a semi-final clash with New Zealand national cricket team in Kolkata.

Raza’s lone battle

The contest was defined by a remarkable all-round performance from Sikandar Raza, who almost single-handedly carried Zimbabwe. Raza struck 73 off 43 deliveries, accounting for 12 of his team’s 13 boundaries and scoring 73 of the 98 runs Zimbabwe managed while he was at the crease. His calculated aggression, particularly between overs 4.3 and 16.3, kept Zimbabwe competitive.

Raza displayed sharp game awareness, targeting South Africa’s change bowlers to disrupt their rhythm. Whether driving through the off side against fuller deliveries or pulling short balls over the leg side, his method was clear and effective.

Maphaka’s breakthrough spell

South Africa’s bench strength stood up in the absence of senior bowlers, with 19-year-old Kwena Maphaka producing a standout spell. Playing just his second match of the tournament, the left-arm quick returned figures of 4-0-21-2. His decisive moment came in the 17th over when he dismissed Raza with a cleverly executed delivery that straightened, inducing a miscued shot safely held by David Miller.

George Linde and Anrich Nortje also contributed crucial overs, ensuring Zimbabwe were restricted to 153 for 7.

Early jolts in the chase

Raza was not finished. Opening the bowling, the offspinner removed Quinton de Kock for a duck and then bowled Markram with a deceptive carrom ball, reducing South Africa to 14 for 2 inside three overs.

Ryan Rickelton endured a tense moment after being struck on the helmet by a back-of-the-hand bouncer from Brad Evans. Cleared of concussion after medical attention, Rickelton responded with three sixes in quick succession before falling to a well-judged catch on the boundary.

At 43 for 3 after the powerplay, South Africa were under pressure.

Brevis and Miller steady the ship

Dewald Brevis injected momentum with a blistering 42 off 18 balls, sharing a 50-run stand in just 25 deliveries with Miller. Their partnership swung the contest back in South Africa’s favour before Zimbabwe fought back through Blessing Muzarabani and Raza, leaving the Proteas at 101 for 5 in the 11th over.

Despite the late resistance, South Africa kept their composure to complete the chase and preserve their unbeaten record.

With momentum on their side, Markram’s team now shift focus to the knockout stage, where sterner tests await.