Zimbabwe rolled for just 78 by new-look Proteas line-up

[Hogg]

ZIMBABWE have been embarrassed by South Africa, bowled out for just 78 in a 120-run loss at Bloemfontein.

Imran Tahir was the chief destroyer for the Proteas, the leg-spinner claiming 6-24 – including a hat-trick in the 20th over – on a pitch that showed signs of variable bounce.

Veteran paceman Dale Steyn also starred for the South Africans in his return, but not as expected.

The 35-year-old top-scored with the bat, notching 60 runs off 85 to achieve his first ODI fifty in his 117th match.

Zimbabwe’s 78-run total is their lowest ever against South Africa in ODI cricket, the previous lowest being 117, achieved in their clash at Kimberley on Sunday.

The match also signalled South Africa’s 28th consecutive victory over Zimbabwe in one-day cricket – the longest streak for a team over any opposition in ODI history.

The previous record was held by Australia, also against Zimbabwe, but the streak was broken in their shock loss at Harare in 2014.

The Proteas now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

An inexperienced South African side batted first after winning the toss.

That decision soon backfired when the top-order – without star batsmen Hamish Amla and Faf du Plessis – crumbled to 4-49.

Steyn’s knock – which featured eight fours and a six – helped the Proteas reach a defendable total, as they were bowled out for 198.

In response, the Zimbabwean side was obliterated by the South African attack, skipper Hamilton Masakadza top-scoring with 27 in the 24-over innings.

Tahir, 39, claimed his third ODI five-wicket haul a classy display of spin bowling – his second-best career figures.

The two nations will face off again in the final one-day international at Paarl on Saturday.