Smith and Kemp crush Zimbabwe

The powerful strokeplay of South Africa sent Zimbabwe to another huge defeat, this time by 131 runs, in the second One Day International of three-match series. South Africa now leads and wins the series with a 2-0 scoreline in the books.

Graeme Smith led from the front with a captain’s century, his third career ODI hundred (all scored in his last five games). His contribution was 117 off 129 balls, among a team total of 329/6. Herschelle Gibbs (75 off 73 balls) also scored good runs, but it was Justin Kemp’s explosive play at the end that really pushed the show along.

Kemp’s fireworks featured 5 sixes and 2 fours en route to 53 not out off just 21 balls. It represents the sixth fastest half-century (19 balls) in the history of limited overs internationals, and the second fastest by a South African. All the progress came upon a score of 67/3 at the start of the 15th over.

The worst sufferer of the onslaught was offspinner Prosper Utseya. Typically extremely economical, he was belted for 60 runs from 6 wicketless overs.

In their turn at the wicket, Zimbabwe rarely got completely bobbed down, but simply could not meet the high demands of the run chase. Every batsman got into double figures, yet Barney Rogers’ 47 was the top score by a fair way. Teenager Sean Collins scored an unbeaten 33, however, for the second highest contribution.

South Africa shared the wickets around nicely. Albie Morkel finished with figures of 7-0-27-2, but Adam Bacher (2/36), Nico Boje (2/46) and Andrew Hall (1/27) were also among the wickets. Ultimately Zimbabwe surrendered for 198/7 in their 50 overs.

Score Summary:

South Africa innings 329/6 (50 overs)
GC Smith 117 (129), HH Gibbs 75 (73), JM Kemp 53* (21)
CB Mpofu 3/59 (9), BG Rogers 2/62 (8)

Zimbabwe innings 198/7 (50 overs)
BG Rogers 47 (72), SC Williams 33* (43)
JA Morkel 2/27 (7), AM Bacher 2/36 (10), N Boje 2/46 (10)

Result: South Africa won by 131 runs
Series: 2-0 SA
Man of the Match: GC Smith (SA)