By BV Swagath
Hosts Zimbabwe clinched the Unofficial T20 Tri Series defeating South Africa by a thumping margin of 9 wickets with 17 balls to spare in the Final at Harare on Sunday. Once again, opener Hamitlon Masakadza stood tall to play a match winning knock for Zimbabwe to get the Player of the Series award.
Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa were restricted to 146 for 6 with 23-year-old pacer Kyle Jarvis bowling well for his 2 for 22 in 4 overs. South Africa were in early soup at 45 for 3 in 7.2 overs from which they could only get to a modest total. Middle order batsman Faf du Plessis top scored with 66 (from 57 balls with 4 fours and a six) while Albie Morkel came up with an unbeaten 34 (from 23 balls with 3 fours and a six).
Zimbabwe eased to victory in the 18th over itself after losing just the one wicket. Hamilton Masakadza scored an unbeaten 58 (from 50 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes). Skipper Brendan Taylor outscored him slightly with an unbeaten 59 (from 41 balls with 6 fours and a six) to get the Man of the Match award.