 South
Africa earned a comfortable victory in the first T20 in Bloemfontein. South
Africa chased down a decent total set my Zimbabwe with ease. South Africa
fielding was hopeless at time in the first game and the team coaching staff
would be wary of that. They dropped catches; missed run outs and let easy runs
leak. Johan Botha, the new captain had an ordinary game himself. Zimbabwean
batting impressed many people. After a cautious start, Hamilton Masakadza
and Chamu Chibhabha made swift half centuries to set up a decent total.
Click for Live Score Card of South Africa Vs Zimbabwe
South Africans, who according to Johan Botha weren't taking the talented Zimbabweans easily, will be confident
and upbeat ahead of second T20 at Kimberley on 10th October. Morne Morkel,
who bowled only two overs before leaving the field is a doubtful starter due to
injury. Johan Botha, the Poteas Captain echoed his words again of respecting Zimbabwe,
who he thinks have beaten world class teams and are capable of doing it again.
Ahead of second T20, South African's would be a little concerned over their bowling
and fielding performances. Their bowlers weren't troubling Zimbabwean batsmen
and the pacemen rarely clocked speed beyond 84-85 mph. They will take pride in
the batting performance led by Smith. With the Kimberley wicket likely to be a
good batting track, South Africa in front of their lively home crowd would
fancy themselves to win the game. South Africa have won four of their last five
T20s. Zimbabwe who are rising stars of world cricket, put up a decent show
with the bat in the first T20. Their bowling would be a concern for them, as the
bowlers couldn't pitch the ball in the right areas and were all over the place.
Grant Flower who couldn't take part in the game due to visa problems, will also
not take part in the upcoming T20. The format of this game can allow one or two
good performances to tilt the game in any direction. Zimbabwe who are a talented
bunch of young and experienced players would back themselves to come back stronger.
T20 cricket always attract supports, as there were handful of Zimbabwean supports
to been seen in the crowd. They are likely to get welcome support from their crowd
in the second T20 as well. Zimbabwe have lost four of their last five T20s
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