South Africa struggle before crossing the finish line in first ODI against Zimbabwe

Sport360 staff 20:11 30/09/2018
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  • South Africa's Lungi Ngidi (2nd, l) picked up three wickets.

    South Africa began their ODI series against Zimbabwe with a five-wicket win in Kimberley on Sunday. The hosts left pace bowler Dale Steyn out of their attack but, having won the toss and opted to bowl, South Africa had no trouble ripping through the Zimbabwe batting order.

    Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets (3-19) as the visitors were bowled out for just 117 in only 34.1 overs, Elton Chigumbura top-scoring with 27.

    The Proteas threatened to wobble in pursuit of their target, slipping to 58-4, but 44 from wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen steadied the ship.

    Skipper JP Duminy then marshaled his side to victory with 24.5 overs to spare, becoming only the ninth South African to pass 5,000 ODI runs in the process.

    “It was a very indifferent wicket,” stand-in captain Duminy was quoted as saying by AFP. “There was always something in it for the bowlers. Even though we bowled well it was quite a tough total to chase down.”

    “It was about keeping it simple, hitting your lengths and the wicket will do the rest,” said man-of-the-match Ngidi.

    Zimbabwe skipper Hamilton Masakadza, who made 25, said a total of more than 150 could have been challenging.

    “We were surprised how it played,” said Masakadza. “If we had scored another 50 or 60 runs we would have been more competitive.”

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