PROSPER Utseya’s hat-trick was not enough to prevent South Africa cantering to a 61-run bonus-point win over Zimbabwe in their tri-series cricket match at the Harare Sports Club yesterday.
The 29-year-old off-spinner ended with 5-36, including the second one-day international (ODI) hat-trick by a Zimbabwean, as South Africa were bowled out for 231 off 49.5 overs on a slow pitch which aided the spinners.
Eddo Brandes, who took a hat-trick at the same ground against England in 1997, was previously the only Zimbabwean cricketer to claim an ODI hat-trick. However, despite Utseya’s feat, the hosts were unable to mount a sustained challenge with the bat and they faded to 170 all out in 38.3 overs with Ryan McLaren capturing 3-24 and Dale Steyn 3-36.
Earlier, Utseya had sparked a remarkable collapse as he claimed the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw and David Miller from consecutive deliveries before finishing with career-best figures of 5 for 36.
South Africa had been cruising at 142 without loss in the 25th over when the off-spinner turned the innings on its head, with Hashim Amla the first to go when he was stumped for 66 off Utseya’s bowling. De Kock departed for 76 in Utseya’s next over before Rossouw and Miller both fell first ball, sparking wild celebrations as the Utseya joined Brandes on the list of Zimbabweans with an ODI hat-trick.
When JP Duminy was trapped lbw by Utseya in the 31st over of the innings, South Africa had lost five wickets for 13 runs in 39 balls, with Utseya making the most of the considerable turn on offer by taking all five. Fellow off-spinner John Nyumbu got in on the act thereafter, dismissing Faf du Plessis, Ryan McLaren and Dale Steyn, but a 36-run stand for the last wicket between Aaron Phangiso and Imran Tahir carried the Proteas to a more respectable total.
In reply, Zimbabwe had a poor start when Tino Mawoyo was run out for a duck after his side racked up just one run, but Sikandar Raza was able to steady the attack by hitting 35 off 50 balls before he was dismissed by Imran Tahir.
Sean Williams was close to reaching a half-century, but Ryan McLaren struck to send the batsman back to the pavilion on 46.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
South Africa brought Zimbabwe’s innings to an early close by dismissing them for 170 after 38 overs.
Utseya, who was named man-of-the-match, said while he was happy with his perfomance, he was gutted it was not enough to help his side win the match.
“Obviously, I am happy with the way I bowled, but disappointed that we didn’t win. The spin department has been our strength and we knew the pitch was going to turn. I was a bit of both — defensive and attacking. The conditions helped a lot to turn the ball,” Utseya said.
Zimbabwe play their next match against Australia at the same venue tomorrow.
— Agencies/Sports Reporter
