📰 Match Summary: Final, Zimbabwe T20I Tri‑Series – Harare
- Date: July 26, 2025
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
- Result: New Zealand won by 3 runs, remaining unbeaten in the tournament
🏏 New Zealand Innings – 180/5 (20 overs)
- Devon Conway 47; Rachin Ravindra 47 – Solid foundation with a 94-run stand.
- Target set: 181 to win for South Africa
🏏 South Africa Innings – 177/6 (20 overs)
- Lhuan‑dre Pretorius 51 off 35 showed glimpses of a chase comeback.
🧤 Final Over Drama
- Matt Henry held his nerve, conceding just 3 runs and picking up key wickets in the last over to secure the win.
- Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell took spectacular catches in the final over to turn the match.
🧩 Tactical Breakdown & Game Changers
🔷 Key Moments:
- SA appeared in control at 92/1 in 9.4 overs, thanks to Pretorius, but a collapse followed.
- Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs earlier formed a crucial unbeaten stand in their first meeting to cement NZ dominance.
⚡ Bowling Heroes:
- Jacob Duffy & Matt Henry consistently delivered breakthroughs throughout the match and series.
📊 Tournament Journey: New Zealand’s Road to the Title
- Unbeaten Run: Won all group matches and beat SA twice before the final.
- Big contributors: Conway, Seifert (challenging chases), Santner (spin control), Henry & Duffy (focus in pressure bowling)
🌐 Global Timings & Venues
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (UTC) | IST | PKT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri‑Series Final | Jul 26, 2025 | Harare Sports Club | 11:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 1:30 PM |
🤔 FAQs
Q1: Who won the T20I tri‑series final between NZ and SA?
➡️ New Zealand won by 3 runs in a cliff-hanger final.Q2: How did NZ manage the last over?
➡️ Matt Henry defended 7 runs, conceding only 3, with slip catches from Bracewell and Mitchell sealing victory.Q3: Who top-scored for NZ and SA?
➡️ Conway (47) & Ravindra (47) for New Zealand; Pretorius (51) for South Africa.Q4: Did NZ remain unbeaten in the series?
➡️ Yes, they won all matches in the group phase and tri‑series final.Q5: Who were standout performers in the final?
➡️ Matt Henry (final over hero), Bracewell & Mitchell (fielding), Conway & Ravindra (runs), Duffy & Henry (bowling).🧠 Final Thoughts: A Masterclass From New Zealand
New Zealand’s tri‑series victory was built on composure under pressure, balanced contributions, and tactical brilliance. From Alexander’s calm mid-order to Henry’s nerve-shredding final over, and clutch fielding by Mitchell and Bracewell — NZ showed why they’re a force in T20 cricket.
South Africa fought valiantly through Pretorius and some middle-over recovery, but the Kiwis’ consistency and execution made the difference. They leave Zimbabwe unbeaten, having stamped authority across batting and bowling.
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