Hambantota: Zimbabwe became the first team to get knocked of the ICC T20 World Cup 2012 after losing their second match by 10 wickets against South Africa. Zimbabwe who lost their first match against Sri Lanka needed to win this match to stay alive in the competition but then a clinical performance by South Africa saw their campaign come to an end.

Their fate perhaps was expected to be the same especially after being grouped with hosts Sri Lanka and the Proteas but what was disappointing is the way they made the exit. They hardly posed challenge to their opponents and were beaten comprehensively in both the matches.

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Brief Score:

Zimbabwe 93/8 (Ervine 31)

South Africa 93/0 (RE Levi 50, Amla 32, Kallis 4-15)     

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Put into bat first, Zimbabwe’s batting was looking seemingly uncomfortable against the likes of Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis.  Morkel drew the first blood for South Africa after he dismissed Vusi Sibanda for a duck in the second over of the match. And within a span of few overs they were down to three wickets.

After five overs, Zimbabwe’s score read 17-3. It never looked like that they will survive for the full innings but against all odds they did even though they could manage just 93 after loss of eight wickets.

The main reason that they could get close to the three figure mark was Craig Ervine who showed immense resiliency and hung on when his teammates were falling line nine pins. He emerged as the highest scorer for them and scored 37 off 40 deliveries laced with four boundaries. Stuart Matsikenyeri who scored 11 was the other batsmen who could breach the double figure mark. 

For the Proteas, Jacques Kallis was the wrecker-in-chief and ended with figures of 4-15. He was well supported by Morne who scalped 2-16, Steyn and Albie chipped in with a wicket apiece.

In reply, South African openers Richard Levi and Hashim Amla started off rather cautiously and seemed in no hurry. They frustrated the Zimbabwe bowlers and eventually romped home in the 13th over.

Richard Levi scored 50 not out of 44 deliveries including six fours while Hashim Amla ended unbeaten on 32 of 33 deliveries laced with three fours.

By Indian Sports News Network