Reeza Hendricks anchors the innings during a tough day out for the Proteas in Harare. Image: ESPN Cric Info.
(The Post News)– The Proteas’ batting unit crumbled under pressure as they stumbled to 134/8 in the fifth Tri-Series T20I against New Zealand at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. Despite a decent bowling and fielding effort earlier in the day, the Proteas simply didn’t show up with the bat.
Reeza Hendricks top-scored with a scrappy 41 off 37 balls, but even he struggled to find any rhythm. The rest of the batting order never got going, with poor shot selection and tight Kiwi bowling keeping the Proteas on the back foot throughout.
The innings started on the wrong foot when captain Rassie van der Dussen was bowled by Adam Milne for 14, leaving SA on 14/1. Rubin Hermann (10) and Hendricks tried to steady things, but a miscommunication saw Hermann run out after a brilliant bit of fielding from Mark Chapman.
From there, wickets fell regularly. Dewald Brevis (13) edged behind trying to be inventive, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Andile Simelane managed just 1 and 11, respectively. George Linde’s unbeaten 23 off 15 provided a small spark at the end, but it wasn’t enough to lift the total to a competitive score.
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