FOR someone who has only played three T20 Internationals, Rubin Hermann is showing an impressive ability to assess both the conditions and match situation.
It probably stems from the fact that Hermann may have limited international experience but has close to a decade of playing at every level domestically.
This is certainly evident in the way Hermann manipulated the field initially before exploding during his 36-ball 63 (3×4, 5×6) that eased the Proteas to their 145-run target with seven wickets and 16 balls to spare against hosts Zimbabwe on Sunday.
The only blot on Hermann’s copybook was that he was not out in the middle when the winning runs were struck at the Harare Sports Club.
“I think one thing we identified is that the new ball is quite tough on these wickets because there is a bit of invariable bounce and invariable pace. Thee new ball is probably the toughest time to bat,” said Hermann, who walked the crease with the Proteas in a spot of bother at 22/2 after the loss of both openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks.
“From thereon I focused on playing balls as late as possible. There’s a lot of batsmanship involved on these pitches with inconsistent bounce and pace. There’s a shorter boundary. I played good cricket shots, that’s as best I can explain the success.
“Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game off, but that’s just being hyper-critical. I’m just trying to back my instincts, keep a clear head and see what happens from there.”
A phenomenal display of class and composure! 💪
Rubin Hermann lit up the crease with a blistering 63 off just 36 balls, showcasing an innings full of intent, timing, and flair. 🇿🇦🏏
His standout knock earned him the Player of the Match award! 👏🔥#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/drfFHGnb5T
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) July 20, 2025
Hermann would certainly have benefitted from sharing a 106-run partnership with his captain Rassie van der Dussen (52 not out off 41 balls, 6×4).
Van der Dussen played the part of the experienced campaigner that he is to perfection as he allowed Hermann to run with the momentum of attacking the Zimbabwean bowlers.
“Losing two crickets in the Powerplay, I think Russ and I also, it was quite self-explanatory that that was going to be the most important partnership in the game. So yeah, Russ and I, we were quite in sync,” Hermann said.
“It was quite nice because we both just knew if we just batted, we’ll score quick enough. We were both ruthless on bad balls and so on. Luckily, we got a couple of them. So, just took good batsmanship.
“And then we just kept speaking on our options and just playing good cricket because our aggressive nature will take care of the scoring by itself. It was just sticking together for as long as possible.
“Unfortunately, I fell short again with my job to finish the game, which I’m quite disappointed that I didn’t. But yeah, we’ll get there.”
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
A dominant all-round display from our Proteas Men 🇿🇦 💥
Clinical with the ball, composed with the bat. A comprehensive 7-wicket victory to confirm our spot in the Tri-Series Final! 💪🔥#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/Y3XPl0etRw
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) July 20, 2025
The Proteas’ bowling unit also delivered a good shift in restricting Zimbabwe to 144/6, despite the hosts’ opener Brian Bennett striking 61 off just 42 balls.
Corbin Bosch (2/16) was impressive both in the Powerplay and at the death and received solid support from the returning Nandre Burger (1/20). This all bodes well for the Proteas’ next clash against the Blacks Caps on Tuesday.
“I think we’ve got some momentum on our side. So we’ve got to keep that momentum and just keep playing good cricket,” Hermann said.
“I think we’ve done well. We were lacking in a few departments in the previous New Zealand game. So I think we would like to rectify that and I’m sure if we play our best cricket, we’ll come on the top side there as well.
“So just keep playing good cricket. Keep playing ruthless cricket. And then hopefully take the series on because that’s the goal at the end of the day.”
T20 International
SA: 145/3 (Hermann 63, Van der Dussen 52*, Maposa 2/28)
Zimbabwe: 144/6 (Bennett 61, Burl 36*, Bosch 2/16, Burger 1/20)
South Africa won by seven wickets
