The hosts Zimbabwe needed a high margin win and a bonus point to sail through to the final but that could not be as the South Africans target of 271 for six following Far du Plessis splendid century, his third of the Series, proved too much for Zimbabwe.
Du Plessis plundered 121 runs before going out and with further contributions from JP Duminy who weighed in with 51 runs and Rillee Rossouw’s 36, it was a target that could prove just too much for the small southern African nation.
In fact, Zimbabwe needed to chase their target in 25.2 overs in order to get a bonus point and improve their net run to sufficiently knock off South Africa, but that was not to be as the top order crumbled like a deck of cards.
Vusi Sibanda was run out for 11, Sikandar Raza dismissed for 29, Masakadza out for 26, and Sean Williams for a paltry three to leave Zimbabwe, all but out of the contest.
Even captain Elton Chigumbura and Prosper Utseya, the heroes of that famous three wicket win over Australia were not at the party as Utseya was out on the stands following a duck with Chigumbura managing only 13 runs.
The only batsman on show was Brendan Taylor who hit 79 runs as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 208 after 47.2 overs.
This left Zimbabwe bottom of the three team contest with South Africa at the summit with followed Australia in second place and safely in the final.
Zimbabwe won only one game while South Africa and Australia won three games apiece.
The Proteas and the Aussies will now contest the final at Harare Sports Club Saturday while the Zimbabweans will be watching and cheering others from the stands.
After the Triangular Series, Zimbabwe are off to Bangladesh for a Test, and three ODIs.
Post published in: Cricket
good luck Zimbabwean cricket team they played very well, and they must played best matches with best teams in world cup.
good luck and keep it up.
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