Lhuan-dre Pretorius fell six runs short of a maiden T20 international century but still powered South Africa to a 43-run victory over Zimbabwe in Windhoek.
The left-handed opener struck 94 from 51 balls, hitting 12 fours and three sixes, as South Africa posted 185 for seven at the Namibia Cricket Ground in the T20I tri-series.
Pretorius reached his half-century from 27 deliveries and continued to attack as South Africa pushed beyond 150. His innings ended in the 19th over when Zimbabwe seamer Brad Evans beat his defences with a slower delivery.
Dewald Brevis added 41 from 27 balls, including two fours and three sixes, while Jordan Hermann contributed 28 during an opening stand of 68 with Pretorius.
Zimbabwe’s chase began positively but quickly unravelled. They slipped to 43 for four in the powerplay and were eventually dismissed for 142 in 17.4 overs.
Sikandar Raza top-scored with 45, but South Africa captain Bjorn Fortuin claimed four for 24 and Duan Jansen took three for 21 to complete a convincing win.
The result gave South Africa a second victory in three matches in the Namibia tri-series, strengthening their prospects of reaching the final.
