T20 World Cup 2022, Match 18: Zimbabwe vs South Africa - Talking points

The T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12 fixture between South Africa and Zimbabwe was unfortunately called off due to the rain coming down heavily at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The game was first shortened to nine overs between both sides and Zimbabwe lost four early wickets after opting to bat first.  

However, the likes of Wesley Madhevere (35*) and Milton Shumba (18) managed to stitch a partnership of 60 runs for the fifth wicket and it helped Zimbabwe to get to a competitive score of 79 for 5 in their 20 overs.  

In reply, the Zimbabwe bowling attack was taken to the cleaners by Quinton de Kock (47*) who looked in tremendous form. He scored 23 runs off the first over and followed it up with 17 off the next over from Richard Ngarava. There was an interruption again which brought it down to seven overs and a target of 64 by DL method.  

Sikandar Raza bowled the third over and it started pouring down again. The umpires tried to complete the minimum overs required to access the DL method, however, it wasn’t the case and the players walked off the field. De Kock was unbeaten on 47 off 18 balls while Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 2.  

Here are the talking points:

Wesley Madhevere impresses with his unbeaten 35-run knock  

Wesley Madhevere was the only limelight for Zimbabwe in the batting order and his knock comprised of four fours and a six against a high quality South African attack. The youngster has made a strong statement and a lot will be expected out of him in the upcoming fixtures of the tournament.  

Quinton de Kock gives a blistering start 

Quinton de Kock was on the verge of breaking his own record of the fastest fifty by a South African batter in T20Is until rain stopped play. The left-hander hit eight fours and a six in his fantastic innings and made a great impact at the top of the order in the washed out game. 

Rain creates drama

Rain had all the say during this match. However, it allowed the action in between only to create some drama in the second innings. Firstly, the game was reduced to nine overs per side and Zimbabwe, having opted to bat first at the toss, managed to post 79 runs thanks to Wesley Madhevere's knock. However, South Africa's innings had several breaks in their innings and despite De Kock slamming an unbeaten 47, five overs couldn't be completed and the Proteas had to settle with one point.