Scorecard

Opener Herschelle Gibbs returned to form in style to help South Africa coast to a nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe in their one-day triangular series match on Saturday.

Gibbs, who had scored 11 runs in three previous matches in the series, thumped an unbeaten 93 from 97 balls as South Africa easily overhauled Zimbabwe's 174 for eight with more than 15 overs to spare at Sophia Gardens.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith weighed in with 58 in the 154-run stand with his opening partner.

Gibbs took time to click into gear and enjoyed a huge let-off on 17 when he was bowled off a no-ball by Andy Blignaut in the 10th over.

The reprieve brought him out of his shell, though, and he cut loose, racing to a half-century that he brought up with a six over long-on off Douglas Marillier.

Smith too was quick to punish Zimbabwe's wayward attack and reached 50 with a fine pull to the mid-wicket fence.

Gibbs took the total past 150 with another six, this time off Travis Friend, before Sean Ervine ended the partnership when Smith got a faint nick behind to Tatenda Taibu.

Gibbs was in no mood to hang around after that and wrapped up the match with a straight driven four, his 12th boundary in an entertaining knock.

Zimbabwe found run-scoring difficult after being asked to bat first in overcast conditions. South Africa's bowlers always exerted control after a fine opening spell from Shaun Pollock. 

South Africa's former captain did not pick up a wicket but conceded just eight runs in his first seven overs, which included three maidens.

Heath Streak top-scored with 54. His innings featured some lusty blows, coming at a vital time after Zimbabwe had been reduced to 92 for six.

The Zimbabwe captain shared a seventh wicket stand of 52 with Ervine.

The win was South Africa's third in the series, and they top the standings with 17 points, ahead of England (10) and Zimbabwe (9).