South Africa has sealed its passage into the World Twenty20 Super Eights in perfect style with a crushing 10-wicket triumph over Zimbabwe in Hambantota on Thursday.
The Proteas crushed their opponents, who are now subsequently eliminated from the tournament, after being restricted to 8/93 from their 20 overs, with the South Africans not losing a wicket in reply as they easily reached the score with 44 balls to spare.
Craig Ervine topscored for Zimbabwe with 37 off 40 balls, but only one other batsman reached double figures, with Jacques Kallis doing damage with 4/16 off four overs, while Dale Steyn (1/9) and Morne Morkel (2/16) were economical.
In response, Richard Levi belted 50 off 44 balls, while Hashim Amla made 32 off 33 balls, to guide the Proteas to an easy victory which skipper AB de Villiers was happy with.
“I am very happy with the start. I back our pace bowlers to do well on this kind of deck,” he said.
“Hopefully its the same for the next game. We are definitely prepared for whatever the conditions may be.”
South Africa’s next match is against hosts Sri Lanka, with both having sealed their passage into the Super Eights already.
“We’ve improved a lot facing spin in these conditions, so can’t wait to take on what’s coming our way,” De Villiers said on the upcoming clash with Sri Lanka.