Klaasen, Dala steer South Africa A to emphatic win in Harare

Skipper Heinrich Klaasen and bowler Junior Dala helped steer South Africa A to an emphatic victory in the third T20 against Zimbabwe XI in Harare on Saturday. 

SA A took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series after a massive 142-run win.

Zimbabwe won the toss and put South Africa to the bat first as they set the hosts 185 target.

Openers Lesiba Ngoepe (19) and Reeza Hendricks (3) were dismissed three deliveries apart as the hosts opened the attack on the visitors.

Klaasen stood up and shared a vital partnership with Ryan Rickelton as they restored South Africa's innings. Klaasen top-scored with 56 (three fours and five sixes), while Rickelton fell short of his half-century (3 fours and two sixes).

Khaya Zondo (3) was trapped lbw by Wesly Madhevere in the 15th over, and Jason Smith (5) caught by Tendai Chatara off Ernest Masuku two overs later.

Bjorn Fortuin performed with both bat and ball as he scored 19 runs with the bowling figures of 2/4 in two overs.

Tanaka Chivanga was the pick of the bowlers, recording 3/29 in his four overs after dismissing Rickelton, Fortuin, and Glenton Stuurman (14).

Zimbabwe XI did not prove much of a fight as they were restricted to 42/9 in 12 overs, with Wellington Masakadza unable to bat.

Junior Dala recorded the best figures (3/12) in three overs. Bjorn Fortuin (2/4) and Lizaad Williams (2/7) took two wickets whilst Daryn Dupavillon and Glenton Stuurman claimed one wicket each.

The fourth T20 will take place at the same venue on Sunday.