Onus on Zimbabwe batsmen against Tahir-less South Africa

15 wickets at an average of 7.6. That's what Imran Tahir has done to Zimbabwe on this limited-overs tour. Unsurprisingly, the visitors find themselves without a win in four games so far: blanked 0-3 in the ODIs, and trailing 0-1 in the T20Is. When they have tried to rebuild, Tahir has yanked the base off from underneath. When they have tried to punch back, Tahir has punched harder.

But now, Zimbabwe might fancy a little celebratory run towards Potchefstroom for their must-win game with the news of the leg-spinner's release from the squad. South Africa want to get a good look at the other bowlers, Tabraiz Shamsi in all probability, and how he falls into their limited-overs plans, thereby offering Zimbabwe the slightest of glimmers.