South Africa secured a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals with an unbeaten record after successfully chasing 154 against Zimbabwe in Delhi and confirming their progress to the knockout stage.
Aiden Markram’s side will now travel to Kolkata where they are scheduled to face New Zealand in the first semi-final as they attempt to extend their winning run.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza produced an outstanding all-round performance, scoring 73 from 43 balls and taking three wickets for 29, but his efforts were not enough.
Zimbabwe made 153 for seven after being sent in to bat by South Africa, with the skipper striking 12 of his team’s 13 boundaries during his stay at the crease.
For much of the innings, he carried the scoring burden, reaching fifty after the halfway stage while wickets fell regularly at the other end.
19-year-old left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka impressed for South Africa, taking two wickets for 21 runs in four overs and removing Raza with a decisive delivery.
South Africa’s chase began nervously as Raza dismissed Quinton de Kock in the third ball and then removed Markram with a quicker offbreak.
Ryan Rickelton, who was struck on the helmet by Brad Evans, continued after concussion checks and hit three sixes before falling as South Africa slipped to 43 for three.
Blessing Muzarabani claimed his 12th wicket of the tournament by dismissing David Miller, leaving South Africa at 101 for five in pursuit of 154.
Dewald Brevis and Miller counterattacked after coming together at 43 for three, adding a rapid fifty partnership in 23 balls to regain momentum.
Brevis struck a trademark six during the seventh over as South Africa gradually reduced the required runs without facing sustained scoreboard pressure.
With only three boundaries in the final ten overs and five wickets down, South Africa adopted a measured approach to complete the chase.
South Africa rested Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, bringing in Maphaka, Anrich Nortje and George Linde ahead of the semi-finals.
Zimbabwe, already out of contention after defeats in India, made changes including Graeme Cremer and Wellington Masakadza as they concluded their campaign.
South Africa’s victory preserved their unbeaten status in the tournament and confirmed their progression as one of the strongest sides heading into the semi-finals.