South Africa Stay Unstoppable, Enter Semis Undefeated Despite Raza Blitz

South Africa maintained their flawless run in the T20 World Cup, sealing a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe on Sunday, March 1

At the Arun Jaitley Stadium to march into the semifinals unbeaten. Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas once again showcased composure under pressure, overcoming a stunning all-round effort from Sikandar Raza.

Zimbabwe had been one of the surprise packages of the tournament, topping their group with memorable victories over Sri Lanka and Australia. Riding that momentum, they entered the Super 8s with belief. But the step up in competition proved steep, as they failed to register a win in the second phase despite flashes of individual brilliance.

South Africa, in contrast, looked every bit title contenders. Topping their Super 8 group, they now head to Kolkata for a semifinal showdown against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 4.

Raza wages a lone battle

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe were rocked early. Tadiwanashe Marumani departed for 7, and Brian Bennett followed for 15, leaving the innings in disarray. With wickets tumbling, Raza took charge.

The Zimbabwe captain counterattacked brilliantly, reaching his half-century in just 29 balls. Mixing power with precision, he struck eight fours and four sixes in a scintillating 73 off 43 deliveries at a strike rate nearing 170. His innings not only revived Zimbabwe but also pushed them toward a defendable total.

South Africa’s bowling was spearheaded by Kwena Maphaka, who delivered a disciplined spell of 2 for 21, including the prized wicket of Raza. Corbin Bosch chipped in with two wickets but proved expensive.

A late flourish from Clive Madande, who remained unbeaten on 26, helped Zimbabwe post 153 for seven — competitive, but slightly under par on a good batting surface.

Proteas hold nerve in chase

Raza was not done yet. With the ball, he ignited Zimbabwe’s hopes by dismissing Quinton de Kock for a duck in the first over. He soon trapped Markram, reducing South Africa to 14 for two and briefly shifting momentum.

When he removed Dewald Brevis after a blazing 42 off 18 balls, the contest was alive again. Raza finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 29, leading from the front in every sense.

However, the Proteas’ depth proved decisive. Tristan Stubbs and George Linde combined for an unbeaten 53-run stand that steadied the innings and guided South Africa home with 13 balls to spare. Stubbs remained unbeaten on 21, while Linde’s fluent 30 not out ensured there were no late hiccups.

Raza’s heroics deserved a fairytale ending, but South Africa’s consistency and composure prevailed. The Proteas remain unbeaten — and increasingly unstoppable — as they move one step closer to the T20 World Cup crown.