Twitter Reactions: Imran Tahir's six-fer shoulders South Africa to a series triumph

In yet another one-sided ODI, South Africa demolished Zimbabwe by 120 runs at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein. Moreover, JP Duminy’s men also cantered to a series victory with one match remaining to be played in Paarl on Saturday. The visiting team pushed their rivals back with wickets at regular intervals but surrendered rather meekly during the run-chase.

Dale Steyn delivers ‘with the bat’

After losing the toss and put in to field first, the Zimbabwean fast bowlers including the likes of Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano, and Kyle Jarvis rocked the Proteas and reduced the Proteas to 49/4 in the 14th over. Aiden Markram tried to put up a fight but was nipped out by Tiripano for 35 runs. Christiaan Jonker flayed his willow to score 25 runs and eventually fell prey to Brandon Mavuta.

Khaya Zondo perished after scoring 21 and skipper JP Duminy couldn’t survive the heat either. South Africa found themselves at 92/6. Nevertheless, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dale Steyn churned out a stand of 75 runs to inject momentum into the innings. Albeit Phehlukwayo was nipped out by Chatara, but Steyn carried on to notch 60 runs from 85 balls and guided his team to 198 runs.

Zimbabwe capitulate alarmingly

The visitors were never in the run chase as wickets went down like nine pins. After Solomon Mire was dismissed by Steyn, Hamilton Masakadza and Craig Ervine put their heads down and played risk-free cricket in the next seven overs. Unfortunately, both succumbed to the speedsters after which spinner Imran Tahir wreaked havoc in their lineup with a stupendous five-wicket haul.

He picked up the first wicket in the form of Brendan Taylor. His second wicket came in the form of Sean Williams. He came into his own in the 19th over by racking up a hat-trick. The veteran pinned Peter Moor, Brandon Mavuta and Kyle Jarvis to accomplish the feat. Tahir went on to pick up the final wicket of Chatara and a six-fer, which helped them bowl their opponents out.

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