First Twenty20 international, Bloemfontein: South Africa 169 (15.5 overs) bt Zimbabwe 168-4 by seven wickets Match scorecard
 Smith stepped down as the Proteas' Twenty20 captain in August |
Graeme Smith's half century sent South Africa on their way to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 international in Bloemfontein. Smith smashed eight fours and two sixes on his way to 58 in a fruitful opening partnership with Loots Bosman (33). JP Duminy (35 not out) and David Miller (36 not out) then steered South Africa to 169 with 25 balls to spare. Hamilton Masakadza made 72 while Chamu Chibhabha was lucky to get 52 after he was dropped twice in Zimbabwe's 168-4. Playing his first match since handing over the 20-overs captaincy, Smith, who will continue to captain his country in one-day internationals and Test matches, said he had enjoyed "relaxing a bit more and not having as much to do". The hosts' victory, though, was tainted by an injury to paceman Morne Morkel, who suffered sprained right ankle ligaments in the field. South Africa were already without fast bowler Dale Steyn because of a back injury.
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