Harare, July 14 -- A fantastic three-wicket spell by all-rounder George Linde and a fiery knock from Dewald Brevis helped South Africa beat Zimbabwe in the opener of the tri-nation featuring New Zealand at Harare on Monday.

Chasing down 142 runs, South Africa got into trouble early on, but crucial knocks from debutant Rubin Hermann, Brevis, and all-rounder Corbin Bosch pulled them out of troubled waters, pulling off a win with 25 balls left.

South Africa, led by Rassie Van Der Dussen, won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Zimbabwe was reduced to 55/3, with their top order of Wessly Madhevere (1), Clive Madande (8), and Brian Bennett (30 in 28 balls, with four boundaries) gone within 10.5 overs.

However, skipper Sikandar Raza took on...