Cricket
Confident Proteas ready for second crack at Black Caps─── MORGAN PIEK 09:24 Tue, 22 Jul 2025
The Proteas will face New Zealand on Tuesday in their second clash of the T20 International Tri-Series in Harare, and they’ll be heading into the game with confidence-despite falling short a week ago.
In the previous encounter between the two sides, the Black Caps beat South Africa by 21 runs in a match that could easily have gone the other way.
The major factor in that game was arguably South Africa’s lack of international experience, as they’re fielding a new-look side for the series. However, the New Zealanders are in a similar position, with both teams under the guidance of Rob Walter.
Tim Robinson. Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket
South Africa had New Zealand on the ropes at 70/5 after 9.3 overs, but an outstanding, unbeaten 103-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Tim Robinson with 75* and South African-born Bevon Jacobs with 44* saw the Kiwis recover to post 173/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
That stand proved to be the match-winner, as South Africa were bowled out for 152 in 18.2 overs.
Fast bowler Corbin Bosch told OFM Sport that as a bowling unit, it’s crucial to deliver the knockout blow when you’ve got the opposition under pressure.
“I think it’s something we pride ourselves on – trying to be ruthless at all stages of the game,” said Bosch.
“And I think we took our foot off the pedal a little bit, especially in the field.
“We were a bit lackadaisical towards the back end of that game and let through some easy runs, plus a costly dropped chance that may have swung the game further in our favour.
Kwena Maphaka. Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket
“We’ve addressed it. I think in the last game, with both bat and ball, we were much more ruthless. We just need to do more of the same.”
While this Proteas team is quite different from the usual setup, Bosch said it’s an exciting time to be part of the national structure. The mindset has clearly shifted – especially after winning the World Test Championship final – and the players now believe they can beat the best teams in the world.
“Definitely. I think there’s that quiet belief among the players that we can get the job done,” Bosch added.
“As you said, the WTC final showed we’re a world-class outfit. We can beat anyone, and that belief is starting to filter into all formats of our cricket.
“There’s so much talent in this country that’s yet to be tapped, so it really is an exciting time to be part of SA Cricket.”
Tuesday’s match, seen as a dress rehearsal for Saturday’s final, gets underway at 13:00 at Harare Sports Club.
