The South Africa cricket team has come off to a good start in the world cup 2015 by beating their neighbour Zimbabwe.
The latter side, despite ranking much lower, showed spirited efforts against one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Chasing a massive total of 339, Zimbabweans were all out for 277 runs in the 48th over falling 62 runs short.
Veteran Masakadza was going strong and eventually got out for 80. He made a wonderful
105-run partnership with opening batsman Justice Chibaba, who scored a well made 60.
Masakadza added another 54 runs with his captain Brendon Taylor. The minnows were
eying for an unlikely upset during the partnership.
With the fall of Hamilton Masakadza, Zimbabwean innings crumbeled and the last 8
wickets fell for just 86 runs.
South African leg spinner Imran Tahir was too hot to handle. He not only picked up three
wickets but also conceded only 36 runs from his 10 overs. Earlier, despite losing four early wickets against the Proteas, they have made a competitive score of 339 in their first and third match of ICC World Cup 2015 in Hamilton.
South Africa scored 339/4 in 50 overs.David Miller and JP Duminy scored sensible tons against Zimababwe.The duo joined together in a rather shaky position of 83/4 but they turned the wheel the other way round with a remarkable unbeaten 256 runs of 176 balls.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field first.David Miller was adjuged the player of the match. South African Team: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de
Villiers (capt), David Miller, JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran TahirZimbabwean Team: Sikandar Raza, Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura (capt), Solomon Mire, Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi