Zimbabwe were expected to be cannon fodder, just in order to get the Proteas’ international season off to an easy start in what is a long World Cup year.
But the men from up north haven’t rolled over and died, showing some good fighting spirit in the three-match one-day international series and the first T20 international in East London.
Here we look at two Zimbabwe players to look out for in the second T20 at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom tonight (6pm start)…
Peter Moor
The big-hitting right-hander got stuck into Tabraiz Shamsi at Buffalo Park, and on what is expected to be a good batting track in Potch, he might come up with more than just the 44 off 21 balls in a losing cause at Buffalo Park.
The 27-year-old Moor – who is actually a wicket-keeper, but Brendan Taylor still has the gloves – hit five sixes in that knock, and should perhaps be moved up the order from his current No 6 position, considering his more illustrious teammates have battled to combat the Proteas attack.
David Miller hit the fastest T20 hundred the last time he played at the ground – off 35 balls – so maybe Moor can also tee it up.
Good to be working alongside SRB with Splash Paints. 🙌🇿🇼 pic.twitter.com/SGrExO4p5C
— PJ Moor (@PJMoor10) January 21, 2018
Brandon Mavuta
Not only did the talented spinner take 1/19 off four overs – taking the wicket of Proteas captain Faf du Plessis – Mavuta scored a valuable 28 off just 14 balls to help Moor give the visitors an outside chance of victory.
And with no Imran Tahir to contend with in the last two games, Mavuta could play another crucial innings towards the end, to go with his impressive bowling.
@ashfakmohamed