T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe vs South Africa, Match 51 – Full highlights, top moments & winner details

Zimbabwe and South Africa faced off in the penultimate Super 8 contest of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on March 1. It was Zimbabwe’s last fixture at the ongoing marquee event after failing to qualify for the semifinals. 

After winning the toss, Sikandar Raza opted to bat first in this dead-rubber against the Proteas. Their openers, though, failed to contribute much. Tadiwanashe Marumani was cleaned up by Kwena Maphaka. Their best batter Brian Bennett got out cheaply, scoring just 15 off 13 balls. But it was Raza who steadied the ship with a brilliant 73 off 43. He was well supported by Clive Madande, who scored 26 in 20 deliveries, to give his team a finishing touch, scoring 153 in their 20 overs.

From South Africa, Corbin Bosch and Maphaka took two wickets each, whereas George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortje took one each. It was a complete bowling performance by them. 

In response, the Proteas chased down the target in just 17.5 overs. It was a complete batting performance by them after losing out openers early, as Ryan Rickelton (31 off 22 balls), Dewald Brevis (42 off 18 balls) and David Miller (22 off 16) built solid partnerships, avoiding further collapse.

Tristan Stubbs, who scored 21 runs, and George Linde, who scored 30 runs, gave a finishing touch to their innings. Raza took three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans took one each.

ZIM vs SA: Top Performers of the Match

Best batting and bowling performance

It is rare to have the best batting and bowling performance of the match from a player of the losing team, but that was the case from Zimbabwe’s inspirational leader Sikandar Raza. Raza proved why he is currently the No.1 ranked all-rounder in T20I rankings, as he came into bat at No. 4, after the team lost the openers early. The right-hander was in a stunning flow, scoring 73 runs in just 43 balls, at a strike-rate of 169.77. His innings included eight fours and four sixes. Raza single handedly propelled his team’s score to 153 in 20 overs.

He then produced one of the most inspiring bowling displays, as he opened the bowling and removed  thedangerous Quinton de Kock on the third delivery of the innings. He followed it up with a stunning carrom ball to dismiss Markram. His third wicket was Dewald Brevis, who scored 42 in just 18 deliveries.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• Sixth instance for a player to score 50+ runs and take 3-plus wickets in T20 WC (Sikandar Raza)
• 62 sixes by South Africa in 2026 T20 WC (Third-most ever)

Who was the Player of the Match?

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match for his stunning performance. This was his 20th POTM award in T20Is, the second-most in history.