Imran Tahir bagged six wickets to dismiss Zimbabwe for 78 after Dale Steyn rescued South Africa from 101/7 to 198 all out in the 2nd ODI of the 3-match series at the Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein. After a much-improved display with the ball helped Zimbabwe restrict South Africa to 198, raising hopes of a series-levelling win, the visiting batsmen succumbed in the face of some intense bowling from the Proteas to skittle for a lowly score of 78. The win meant that South Africa have now wrapped up the series with a match to go.
Returning to coloured clothing for the first time in two years, Steyn surprised everyone by scoring his maiden ODI fifty and later coming back to take two early wickets to provide impetus to the Proteas' defence. He found an able partner in Andile Phehlukwayo as the duo put on 75 runs for the eighth wicket - a South African record. For Zimbabwe, Tendai Chatara claimed 3 wickets while the rest of the bowlers contributed with at least a wicket each. However, the chase of 199 proved too much for the visitors as only three of their batters managed to reach double figures. Imran Tahir was especially effective as he brought about a quick downfall of the opposition bagging six scalps in as many overs.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA VS ZIMBABWE, 2ND ODI
Playing XIs:
Zimbabwe: Solomon Mire, Hamilton Masakadza (C), Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (WK), Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Brandon Mavuta, Kyle Jarvis, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Reeza Hendricks, Jean-Paul Duminy (C), Khaya Zondo, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Christiaan Jonker, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi
Captain's Corner:
South Africa's skipper, JP Duminy says they want to try batting first. Informs Dale Steyn comes in for Kagiso Rabada and Khaya Zondo comes in for Mulder who is injured. Further adds he will take the responsibility of the 5th bowler and he enjoys bowling in this format. Ends by saying there were a few areas they had to improve in from the last game, especially the batting department.
Zimbabwe's skipper, Hamilton Masakadza says they too wanted to bat first as the wicket looks really good. He is excited to play his 200th ODI. Informs there is only one change, Donald Tiripano comes in for Wellington Masakadza. He reckons it should be a high-scoring game and hopes to restrict the opposition under 260. They have spoken about the last game but today is a different wicket and a different game and they would like to do well.
Toss: South Africa win toss, opt to bat!
Heinrich Klassen, who is up for an interview, says he played well on a difficult wicket but is disappointed he got out towards the end. Admits it was difficult keeping in the wind and it was also difficult for the slip catchers. Reckons the wicket here is good for batting and he would look to be amongst the runs. He hopes they can post a big total and put the opposition under pressure. Ends by saying they had a good practice session and are up for this game.
Zimbabwe's pacer Tendai Chatara gives a quick interview now. Says that he has been working on his skills and wants to set the tone for the series. Talks about the pitch in Kimberley and says that he loved bowling on that surface as it was offering good pace and he was just looking to hit the right lengths. Feels that the pitch today looks flat and his skills will come into play. Also talks about the shorter boundaries in Bloemfontein. Admits that it's hard to defend low scores and hopes that his batsmen step up and put big runs on the board as this pitch looks flat and good for batting.
