The African Friendship Series 2026 concluded with a historic and action-packed finale at St George's Park, where South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by 119 runs to complete a dominant 3-0 series whitewash. While the hosts produced another commanding all-round performance, the match will be remembered for an extraordinary feat as Sikandar Raza and Tabraiz Shamsi both claimed hat-tricks in the same T10 international, creating one of the most remarkable bowling spectacles in the format.

After electing to bat, South Africa got off to a blistering start courtesy of opening pair Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi, who dismantled Zimbabwe's bowling attack from the outset. The duo added 117 runs for the opening wicket, putting the visitors under immense pressure within the first half of the innings.

Quinton de Kock was at his explosive best, hammering 88 off just 25 deliveries, smashing 12 sixes and 4 fours at a phenomenal strike rate of 352.00. His aggressive strokeplay kept Zimbabwe's bowlers on the back foot and laid the perfect platform for another massive total.

At the other end, Tony de Zorzi matched the tempo brilliantly, racing to 56 from only 15 balls, which included six sixes and four boundaries. Together, the opening pair produced one of South Africa's finest opening partnerships of the series.

Just when South Africa looked set to cross the 220-run mark, Zimbabwe produced an astonishing late comeback with the ball. Captain Sikandar Raza turned the match on its head during a remarkable over, dismissing Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Nandre Burger with three consecutive deliveries to claim a sensational hat-trick. Raza finished with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for just 10 runs, providing Zimbabwe with a memorable moment despite the difficult position.

Luke Jongwe also impressed by claiming 3 wickets, while Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani picked up one wicket each. Zimbabwe's late strikes restricted South Africa to 196 for 9, preventing the innings from becoming even bigger.

Despite the late collapse, South Africa still had a formidable total to defend, and their bowlers immediately took complete control of the contest.

The chase began disastrously for Zimbabwe as Craig Ervine was dismissed with the very first wicket of the innings. Although Ryan Burl launched an extraordinary counterattack, blasting 40 from only 8 deliveries with six sixes, Zimbabwe's hopes disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived.

South Africa's bowling attack was relentless throughout the innings. Corbin Bosch struck three crucial blows, while Wiaan Mulder delivered another outstanding spell, removing Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, and Sean Williams to finish with 3 wickets for just 2 runs in a devastating over.

The biggest highlight of the second innings came from Tabraiz Shamsi, who etched his name into the tournament's history books. Bowling the final over, the left-arm wrist spinner dismissed Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, and Blessing Muzarabani with three successive deliveries to complete a brilliant hat-trick. His figures of 3 for 5 wrapped up Zimbabwe's innings for just 77 in 6 overs, sealing one of South Africa's most comprehensive T10 victories.

The match became even more memorable as it featured two hat-tricks—Sikandar Raza's during South Africa's innings and Tabraiz Shamsi's while defending the target—an extremely rare occurrence in any format of cricket and an unforgettable conclusion to the series.

Although Quinton de Kock was deservedly named Player of the Match for his breathtaking 88 off 25 balls, South Africa's bowling unit once again showcased its remarkable depth. Wiaan Mulder, who finished as the highest Impact Player of the match, continued his outstanding series with another exceptional bowling performance, while Bosch and Shamsi ensured Zimbabwe never threatened the target.

For Zimbabwe, Ryan Burl's explosive cameo and Sikandar Raza's historic hat-trick were the standout positives in an otherwise difficult evening. Raza's spell demonstrated his class and determination despite the result, while the visitors will look to build on those moments heading into future assignments.

South Africa, meanwhile, completed a flawless 3-0 clean sweep of the African Friendship Series. Their explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and exceptional all-round performances throughout the tournament underlined their dominance, with stars like Quinton de Kock, Wiaan Mulder, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Tony de Zorzi playing pivotal roles in a memorable series triumph.