Zimbabwe restricted to 124

Zimbabwe all out at 124.

South Africa's bowlers finally arrived in Harare as they kept Zimbabwe to a below-par total on a sluggish pitch in their must-win encounter. An improved Wayne Parnell did the bulk of damage with a triple-strike midway through the innings and he was well supported by Faf du Plessis, Robin Peterson and Chris Morris.

Zimbabwe were a shadow of the batting unit they were when they defeated South Africa on Wednesday. Twin 36s from Hamilton Masakadza and Graeme Cremer at the top and bottom of the order were the only respectable scores. The rest of the line-up struggled against a more disciplined South African attack.

Masakadza started with the same intent he has had through the series. After a watchful start against Lonwabo Tsotsobe, he flat-batted Morris for a stunning six over cover. Vusi Sibanda did not partner him with as much confidence as he showed three days ago. He was was out lbw to a full, straight ball from Morris. Masakadza lost his other major partner, Brendan Taylor, who holed out to mid-on, and found himself needing to rebuild the innings.

For three overs, he managed to do so. Masakadza only scored boundaries off Tsotsobe before the spinners - Peterson and du Plessis - came on. After two quiet overs, Masakadza needed to accelerate and cut Parnell into the covers, where Farhaan Berhardien took a low catch that had to be referred. It was shown to be clean and Masakadza's fine run of three fifties in as many matches, ended. Parnell struck again in that over, with a full and wide ball that Malcolm Waller chased. Dane Vilas took a diving catch.

The wicket-taking deliveries in Parnell's first over were fairly ordinary but he showed marked improvement from the previous matches, bowling better lines and lengths. He claimed a third scalp when Elton Chigumbura edged a ball that moved away slightly.

Although Zimbabwe were only five down, their tail was already at the crease and it was up to Stuart Matsikenyeri to prevent a collapse. He shared in a 32-run stand with Cremer. An Albie Morkel slower ball eventually accounted for Matsikenyeri, when he hit down the ground and du Plessis took a one-handed catch looking into the sun. Cremer stuck around until the end of the innings and showed good temperament to combine with Prosper Utseya to give Zimbabwe something to defend.