DURBAN - Dale Steyn struck a priceless 60, to lift South Africa from the doldrums of 101 for seven, to eventually be bowled out for 198 in the second ODI against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
The Proteas had won the toss and elected to bat first, but were soon nine for two, as Dean Elgar and Reeza Hendricks again fell cheaply. Aiden Markram (35), Khaya Zondo (21) and Christiaan Jonker (25) all made starts, but then fell when just when the tide looked to be turning.
At 101 for seven, South Africa had to rely on their lower-order. Andile Phehlukwayo scored 28 off 44 balls, batting within himself, to eat into the overs and build a vital stand of 75 for the eighth wicket.
Phehlukwayo fell just when he was starting to flex his muscles, but Steyn kept charging, going all the way to 60 off 85 balls. South Africa were bowled out for 198, with 15 balls to spare. Tendai Chatara helped himself to figures of three for 42 for the visitors.
Steyn will look to perform in his primary role, under lights, and he has certainly given himself and the rest of the attack something to defend at the Mangaung Oval.
South Africa team:
Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, JP Duminy (capt), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Christiaan Jonker, Khaya Zondo, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.
Zimbabwe team:
Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, PJ Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiriparo, Brandon Mavuta, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara.
The 10th wicket falls and that brings an end to the South African innings, as Dale Steyn is bowled by Donald Tiripano for a well-played 60 off 85 deliveries (8x4s; 1x6).
Zimbabwe will require 199 runs to win and level the series 1-1. #SAvZIM #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/Nliiuso3gd
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 3, 2018