Twitter Reactions: South Africa brush aside spirited Zimbabwe to a 1-0 lead

South Africa were deemed to be the firm favourites on the eve of their first ODI against Zimbabwe at Diamond Oval in Kimberley and they showed why with a resounding five-wicket victory. Moreover, the visiting team took a 1-0 lead in the in the three-match series. Hamilton Masakadza’s men tried their hearts out, but unfortunately, their efforts went in vain.

Visitors register their lowest ODI total against Proteas

South Africa won the toss and had no hesitation whatsoever to field first and the decision worked wonders for them for the reason that they were able to restrict Zimbabwe to a paltry score of 117 runs in 34.1 overs. It also turned out to be their lowest score against the Proteas in the 50-overs format. Fast-bowler Lungi Ngidi struck first blood with the wicket of right-handed batsman Solomon Mire.

The second wicket came in the 11th over in the form of Craig Ervine, who was picked up by right-arm speedster Willem Mulder. Thereafter, the visiting team capitulated at an alarming rate as the likes of Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Imran Tahir didn’t allow them to make a comeback. Elton Chigumbura and Wellington Masakadza showed some resistance, but it was never going to be enough.

Proteas stumble but prevail

The run-chase didn’t start on a great note for JP Duminy and Co as Dean Elgar and Reeza Hendricks were nipped out early by Tendai Chatara and Wellington Masakadza respectively. Before lunch, the hosts lost Aiden Markram, who scored 27 runs, giving Zimbabwe a sniff of an opportunity. After the break, Brandon Mavuta got rid of Christian Jonker to well and truly bring the visitors back into the contest.

However, the stand of 38 runs between Heinrich Klaasen and captain JP Duminy took the sting out of the Zimbabwean bowlers. Klaasen was the aggressor in the partnership, which was broken by Masakadza when he dismissed the wicketkeeper-batsman for 44 runs. Duminy and Willem Mulder scored the remaining runs and took their team home with 143 deliveries to spare.

Here is how Twitter reacted

For more news and developments, stay tuned on CricTracker.com.