A batting collapse by the Zimbabwe XI saw South Africa A draw first blood in their five-match T20 series after securing a five-wicket victory at Harare Sports Club on Monday.
After being sent in to bat first, the hosts’ batting line-up found the going tough against the South Africa A bowling attack, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Fast bowler Glenton Stuurman was the chief wicket-taker with superb bowling figures of three wickets for 18 runs as the visitors reduced the home side to 114 all out in 19.5 overs
None of the Zimbabwe batsmen could handle South Africa A’s fast bowlers with Bjorn Fortuin claiming two wickets for 17 runs while Gerald Coetzee took two wickets for 26 runs 3.5 overs.
Opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano top-scored for Zimbabwe XI with 20 runs from 15 balls while Sikandar Raza faced as many deliveries for his 16 runs.
The South African side reply saw them reach their target in 17.4 overs despite having been 55-4 in the 10th over after the losses of Reeza Hendricks (13 off 8), Lesiba Ngoepe (12 off 12), Wihan Lubbe (12 off 9) and Klaasen (six off 16) up front..
Tristan Stubbs top-scored for South Africa A with an unbeaten 39 off 37 balls while Khaya Zondo scored 23 off 24 to lead the visitors to victory.
The second match will take place at the same venue on Wednesday.