Zimbabwe will look to iron out their bowling inconsistencies when they take on an in-form South Africa in their final Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

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Qualifying for the Super 8 as group toppers marked a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, and under the leadership of Sikandar Raza, they will aim to sign off their spirited campaign on a high by pushing one of the tournament favourites to the limit.

Bowling discipline key for Zimbabwe

South Africa have emerged as one of the teams to beat in the ICC showpiece. If Zimbabwe are to challenge them, they must produce a much-improved bowling display after conceding more than 250 runs in each of their last two Super 8 outings against West Indies and India.

“At the World Cup against the best teams, you need all three departments working hand in hand. If one lacks, the game runs away from you,” Raza said after the defeat to India. “Hopefully in the last game, we leave everything on the park and get all three departments clicking.”

Zimbabwe’s bowlers were disciplined during the group stage, particularly against Australia and Sri Lanka on slower Sri Lankan pitches. However, the batting-friendly surfaces in India — as experienced in Mumbai and Chennai — have exposed their margin for error.

With the bat, much will depend on the opening pair of Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Bennett remains unbeaten in the tournament and showcased his range-hitting ability against India. The duo will need to maximise the powerplay if Zimbabwe are to post or chase a competitive total.

Proteas firing on all fronts

South Africa’s bowling attack has been formidable. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi have led the charge with 11 wickets each, well supported by pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch and spinner Keshav Maharaj.

The batting unit has been equally impressive. Captain Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton form a solid top order, while the middle order — featuring David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis — has delivered crucial contributions in the Super 8 stage.

Although South Africa have already secured a semifinal berth and Zimbabwe are out of contention following consecutive defeats, pride will be on the line.

South Africa return to the national capital for this clash, having previously played in Ahmedabad and Delhi during the tournament. Of the five matches played here, the 200-run mark has been crossed only once — when India posted 209 against Namibia — suggesting a more balanced surface.

Match starts at 3 PM IST.