NEW DELHI: New Zealand opened their account in the 2025 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation T20 Series with a convincing 21-run victory over South Africa, thanks to a composed batting effort and a disciplined bowling performance at Harare Sports Club.
New Zealand’s Steady Batting Effort Sets Up Victory
After electing to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive 173/5 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by young sensation Tim Robinson, who played a mature knock of 75 off 57 balls*, smashing 6 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 131.58. He held the innings together even as wickets fell at the other end.
Explosive cameos came from Tim Seifert (22 off 16) and *Bevon Jacobs (44 off 30)**, who provided the late charge with 3 sixes at a strike rate of 146.67. Jacobs’ partnership with Robinson took the Kiwis to a strong finish.
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South Africa’s bowling saw mixed results with Kwena Maphaka standing out, picking up 2/31, while Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, and Senuran Muthusamy chipped in with a wicket apiece.
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South Africa Collapse Despite Middle-Order Resistance
In reply, South Africa got off to a patchy start. Wicketkeeper Lhuan-dre Pretorius played a brisk 27 off 17 balls (6 fours), but regular strikes from the Kiwi bowlers derailed the chase. Reeza Hendricks (16 off 12) and Rassie van der Dussen (6 off 8) couldn’t convert starts, with van der Dussen falling to a sharp run-out by Tim Seifert.
The standout for South Africa was Dewald Brevis, who blasted 35 off just 18 balls, hitting 1 four and 3 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 194.44. George Linde (30 off 20) also chipped in with a valiant knock.
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However, the lower order crumbled under pressure, and South Africa were bowled out for 152 in 18.2 overs.
New Zealand’s Bowling Shines in Crucial Moments
Matt Henry (3/30) led the charge with the ball, removing key batters including Brevis. Jacob Duffy (3/29) and Mitchell Santner (2/22) applied the brakes in the middle overs, while Ish Sodhi (2/26) struck in crucial moments, including the big wicket of Muthusamy.
