South Africa ‘A’ win ODI Series vs Zimbabwe XI 

Half-centuries by Tony de Zorzi and Khaya Zondo as well as a four-wicket haul by Andile Phehlukwayo (4/32) have spearheaded the South Africa ‘A’ team’s 36-run victory over Zimbabwe XI, resulting in a 2-1, One-Day series win on Friday.

The hosts once again won the toss and elected to field, seeing the visitors post a hefty 287/9 at the end of their 50 overs.

Openers, De Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton shared a 98-run stand before the latter just missed out on his fifty when he was dismissed by Wellington Masakadza for 47 off 52 balls in the 19th over.

De Zorzi went on to score 78 from 92 deliveries (7x4s), while Zondo added 60 from 69 in an innings peppered with false starts from the rest of the top and middle orders.

Phehlukwayo was the third- highest run scorer with a quick-fire 29 from 25, while skipper, Heinrich Klaasen chipped in with 17 off 15, with a pair of 14s from Lesiba Ngoepe and Reeza Hendricks to round the South African effort off.

Masakadza and Tanaka Chivanga were the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 4/44 and 3/43 respectively.

Zimbabwe’s reply did not go as planned, they were bowled out for 251 in 47.2 overs for South Africa A’s win.

Kevin Kasuza (66 off 99) top scored with the only half-century of the innings as the South African bowlers made quick work of the top and middle orders. 

Only Wessley Madhevere managed a double figure score, as the rest were dispatched for less than 10 before wicketkeeper, Richmond Mutumbami entered the fray at number seven. 

His 39 from 37 included five boundaries and a six, before Bjorn Fortuin saw him off in the 34th.

Donald Tiripano (48) and Masakadza (32) were the last line of defence, bringing their team close enough to give them hope, but both departed in the 44th and 45th overs, Tiripano falling short of what would have been a well-deserved half-century. 

Phehlukwayo wrapped up the innings with the final wicket of Chivanga for five, giving the tourists a good win in the end.

The T20 series begins on 02 May at the same venue (Harare Sports Club).