CRICKET: Skipper Graeme Smith (69) and Jacques Rudolph (69 not out) put on a 137-run stand as South Africa, chasing 174 to win, crushed Zimbabwe by seven wickets in their one-day triangular series match at Southampton yesterday.

Seamer Douglas Hondo gave South Africa an early scare by removing Herschelle Gibbs (2) and Martin van Jaarsveld (5) with eight on the board but the two left-handers then took control.

Rudolph saw South Africa, who will meet England in tomorrow's final, home with 14.4 overs to spare.

Earlier strike bowler Makhaya Ntini took four wickets, including three with his first 10 balls, as Zimbabwe struggled to 173 for eight.

Ntini removed Grant Flower (1), Travis Friend (4) and Tatenda Taibu (golden duck) to make it 18 for three in the fourth over after Zimbabwe opted to bat. Ntini finished with four for 45.