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2022 ICC T20 World Cup
Twenty20 International Format
Group 2
South Africa v Zimbabwe
Bellerive Oval
Hobart, Tasmania
Monday, 24 October 2022
South Africa begin their quest for a first-ever
T20 World Cup title when they take on neighbours Zimbabwe at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Monday, October 24.
The Proteas have yet to reach the final in the shorter format of the white-ball game, only making it as far as the semi-finals on two occasions in 2009 and 2014.
They failed to qualify for the knockout stages in the 2021 edition after finishing third in Group 1 behind England and eventual champions Australia.
Mark Boucher's side warmed up for the tournament in Australia with a match against New Zealand on October 17, comfortably winning by nine wickets.
Their other warm-up game against Bangladesh was rained out without a ball being bowled.
Keshav Maharaj, who was standing in as captain for Themba Bavuma against the Black Caps, stressed the importance of getting back to winning ways after suffering back-to-back series defeats in India.
"India was a severely long tour for us from a mental point of view and coming back from two series losses, it was important that we try and create some momentum in these warm-up games," Keshav Maharaj.
"Warm-up games can be monotonous and lose their intensity but the guys were very professional on the field."
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Left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi impressed at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane, taking two wickets for just six runs in his three overs as New Zealand were bowled out for 98.
Maharaj believes Shamsi will have an important role to play in Australia, saying: "We know he is a world-class performer and everyone goes through various transitions throughout their career.
"It's good to see Shammo back to his best. He will have a big hand [to play] in this World Cup."
The Chevrons qualified for the Super 12 as Group B winners after beating Ireland and Scotland in the first round, while they lost to the West Indies.
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Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine top-scored with 58 to help steer his team to victory over the Scots and he was ably assisted by Sikandar Raza, who hit 40 from 23 balls.
"I don't think anyone could explain what it means. We've had the whole country behind us," Ervine said in his post-match interview. "The cricket we've played coming into the tournament has been special, so credit to the boys.
"I needed someone to come in and play that innings. I was aiming to steady the ship and knock it around, we knew Raza could come in and hit boundaries.
"The support [from the fans] for us has been special. We're looking forward to travelling around Australia and having that with us."
South Africa have a perfect T20 record against Zimbabwe, winning their five previous matches, the most recent being a six-wicket victory in Potchefstroom on 12 October 2018.
Head-to-Head (T20)
Matches - 5
South Africa - 5
Zimbabwe - 0
Draws - 0
No result - 0
T20 World Rankings
4 - South Africa
11 - Zimbabwe
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