Published: Feb 15, 2015, 06:41 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 15, 2015, 06:41 PM (IST)
While all the hype on Sunday was about the neighbours – India and Pakistan, clashing at Adelaide in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, hundreds of miles away, in another island two other neighbours met, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Just when it seemed that Zimbabwe would repeat their heroics of the 1999 World Cup by scripting another win against the dominant South Africa, batsman David Miller came to his team’s rescue. From 83 for four in the 21st over, Miller’s unbeaten 138 took South Africa to 339 for four. JP Duminy, who scored 115 from 100 balls, gave Miller excellent support as the duo registered a world record fifth-wicket partnership of 256 runs from just 178 balls.
However it was from over and Zimbabwe, who are considered one of the weaker sides in the competition, didn’t give up. Hamilton Mazakadza, who scripted their win against Sri Lanka in the warm-up game, played another inspiring knock of 80. Zimbabwe fought well but eventually were bowled out for 277. Though lost, they will gain plenty of confidence moving ahead as they seriously tested the Proteas, who are one of the best sides in the competition.
Brief scores
South Africa 339 for 4 in 50 overs (David Miller 138*, JP Duminy 115*) bt Zimbabwe 277 in 48.2 overs (Chamu Chibhabha 64, Hamilton Masakadza 80, Brendon Taylor 40; Imran Tahir 3-36) by 62 runs
