Matt Henry put on a clinic on death bowling to help New Zealand clinch a three-run win over South Africa in a thrilling T20I Tri-Series final at Harare Sports Club on Saturday afternoon.

New Zealand finished the three-team competition, which included Zimbabwe, unbeaten.

New Zealand were asked to bat first and scored a total of 180-5.

South Africa pulled out all the stops and got close, but couldn't chase down the target before them and were restricted to 177-6.

T20I Tri-Series triumph in Harare! 🏆 Matt Henry (2-19) held his nerve in a thrilling final over, taking 2 wickets to seal a 3-run win for the BLACKCAPS who remain unbeaten this series.

Scorecard | https://t.co/K73sVXz6Ms
Highlights will be available Three 📺 #SAvNZ… pic.twitter.com/OK0GYbL6Qk

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 26, 2025

The Rob Walter-coached side secured victory courtesy of brilliant fielding and Henry's fantastic bowling.

"As a group, we have been playing some really good cricket. To get over the line, in a tight game, really proud of the guys," Henry shared after the match.

Henry was asked to defend seven runs in the final over, and he did so. He took two wickets and conceded a mere three runs in the over.

First, Henry faced down Dewald Brevis, who had batted South Africa into contention. The 22-year-old had turned things around to put South Africa into a winning position with his hitting power.

Henry stopped Brevis in his tracks before he could see South Africa home when he dismissed him with the second ball of the over.

He then got rid of George Linde three balls later. 

"I knew it was going to be one of the last two. Great to get the last one, and when it goes your way, it is brilliant," said Henry.

MAIDEN T20 FIFTY FOR PRETORIUS

South Africa's youngsters, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Brevis, played knocks that came close to securing victory for their country.

Pretorius registered his maiden T20I half-century with a 35-ball 51, while Brevis carved 31 runs from 16 balls.

"We played a pretty good game. They (New Zealand) are a good and experienced team. For the young guys to come this close, they will learn a lot from it. Everyone has contributed, especially the young guys," Rassie van der Dussen, the South Africa captain, explained.

Pretorius reached his maiden T20I half-century in style. The 19-year-old danced down the wicket and launched a Michael Bracewell delivery over the fielder at wide long-on for a six. He reached the milestone in 33 balls.

However, Bracewell had the last laugh when he deceived Pretorius in the air to offer Tim Seifert a stumping opportunity and the wicketkeeper made no mistake.

Besides reaching an individual landmark, Pretorius also combined with Reeza Hendricks to register South Africa's highest opening stand against New Zealand in T20Is.

Their partnership was worth 92 runs. Hendricks, who did a fine job of ensuring that South Africa did not fall behind the asking rate when Pretorius was struggling with his timing, scored 37 off 30.

The wheels came off for South Africa in the 13th over; they lost three wickets for 15 runs as New Zealand applied the squeeze. 

Two of the three wickets fell in two balls, both batters caught at long-on.

Things only turned around for them after Brevis came in to bat.Henry, who was recognised as both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series, finished the match with two wickets for 19 runs.

He finished with the most wickets in the Tri-Series with 10 scalps.

Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Adam Milne, and Michael Bracewell bagged a wicket each.

"We were reasonably happy (with our score), but knew we needed to bowl well. Guys stepped up at different occasions.

As a captain and as a squad, that is outstanding. The guys were ready and clear on how to operate (on a pitch like that), and that makes it easier (as captain)," said Mitch Santner, the New Zealand captain.

RAVINDRA, CONWAY LEAD THE WAY

New Zealand's victory was set up by brilliant knocks from Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway.

Both Ravindra and Conway came within three runs of half-centuries.

Ravindra, who scored an outstanding 63 in his last outing, looked good for a second consecutive half century and the fourth of his career However, he was dismissed for a well-played 27-ball 47.

New Zealand were on 75-1 when the 25-year-old walked out to bat. His strike rate of 174 helped New Zealand maintain a high tempo.

He shared a 26-run second-wicket partnership with Conway, who was fresh off a 75-run opening stand with Tim Seifert.

Conway's 47 runs came off 31 deliveries and was the key to New Zealand's productive opening partnership.

The left-hander struck six fours and a single six in an entertaining outing.

The opener lost his wicket when he tried to help a Lungi Ngidi delivery to the boundary, but he miscued it and was caught by Nandre Burger at fine leg.

Ngidi was South Africa's most successful bowler with two wickets for 24 runs for an economy of six runs an over in his four overs.

He was supported by Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, and Senuran Muthusamy, who took a wicket each.

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NEW ZEALAND: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryll Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Zakary Foulkes, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

SOUTH AFRICA: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rassie van der Dussen, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.

Tim Seifert hit a second successive half-century and Ish Sodhi took four wickets as New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by 60 runs in their T20 tri-series match in Harare on Thursday. 

New Zealand won all four matches in the round robin phase of the tournament. They will play South Africa in the final at the same venue on Saturday.

A career-best 4-wicket haul from Ish Sodhi (4-12) saw New Zealand claim a 60-run win in the final round-robin match of the Tri-Series.

Scorecard | https://t.co/0hMDEom5eE
Highlights will be available at Three📺
📷 = Zimbabwe Cricket #ZIMvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/rEgJKl8ixH

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 24, 2025

Seifert hit 75 in a New Zealand total of 190 for six –- the highest of the tournament -– and Sodhi took a career-best 4-12 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 130.

Seifert and Rachin Ravindra (63) put on 108 for the second wicket to set up New Zealand for the highest total in the six round robin matches.

Zimbabwe scored 21 off the first two overs in reply before leg-spinner Sodhi came on to bowl in the third over.

He struck with his second ball and took three wickets for five runs in two overs in the powerplay.

Sodhi came back later to claim a fourth wicket and become the third player to take 150 wickets in T20 internationals on a list headed by fellow New Zealander Tim Southee with 164.

It was his fifth and least expensive four-wicket haul in the format.

Ish Sodhi! 😍 Today's career-best 4-12 from Ish Sodhi saw him claim his 150th T20I wicket for New Zealand, becoming just the 2nd BLACKCAP to reach the feat, after Tim Southee (164 T20I wickets). #ZIMvNZ #CricketNation 📷 = @photosportnz pic.twitter.com/dpTJRbFPL6

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 24, 2025

"It was nice to contribute in a slightly new role for me. I haven't bowled a lot in powerplays in my career," said Sodhi after being named player of the match.

"It was nice to put a score on the board batting first," said New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner who chose to bat on a pitch which has favoured teams batting second.

He said the number of players who had "put their hands up at different times" gave New Zealand a selection headache ahead of the final.

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ZIMBABWE: Dion Myers, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu

NEW ZEALAND: Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert(w), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, William ORourke

New Zealand powered their way to a dominant seven-wicket win over the Proteas in the fifth Tri-Series T20I at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Tuesday afternoon.

The result sees New Zealand keep their unbeaten run going ahead of their final pool match on Thursday against Zimbabwe before taking on the Proteas in the competition's final on Saturday.

In the match the Proteas batted first and limped to a well below par 134-8 in their 20 overs after an impressive bowling and fielding performance from the Black Caps.

New Zealand’s chase was then simple enough as opener Tim Seifert carried his bat, striking an unbeaten 66 off 48 balls (6x4; 2x6) to lead his team comfortably over the line with 25 balls to spare.

Tim Seifert leads the Black Caps to a seven-wicket victory over South Africa 🇿🇦🇳🇿

Up next, the Tri-Series final on Saturday 🍿#SAvNZL | #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/L3pTUTUt24

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 22, 2025

“We expected those (tough) batting conditions. I just think we weren’t good enough. The ball is obviously doing a bit up front, but we knew that from the first three games. The challenge was to try and negate that and we couldn’t,” said Proteas captain Rassie van der Dussen after the match.

“Credit to their bowlers, they bowled pretty well, kept us under pressure and we lost wickets throughout and struggled to gain any sort of momentum.

Looking toward the final, Van Der Dussen added: “We just want to find our best combination. We were off the boil today with bat, ball and in the field and that’s the disappointing thing. If we can get our best combination and make sure we are fresh and ready to go on Saturday, we can hit the ground running.”

EASY CHASE

The New Zealand chase got off to a solid enough start as George Linde, tasked with bowling the first over, started with a wide, followed by five wides, before Seifert was dropped in the deep on nought, as 15 eventually came off the over, setting the tone for an easy chase.

With 50 having come off the first five overs, Andile Simelane finally made the breakthrough in the sixth over, as Devon Conway (19) edged him to keeper      Lhuan-dre Pretorius with the score 51-1.

In the next over Senuran Muthusamy had Rachin Ravindra (3) caught by Reeza Hendricks at long on, and the Proteas may have thought they had slightly opened the door for them at 59-2.

But Seifert and Mark Chapman (10) calmed things down with a 25-run stand, before Muthusamy struck again, having Chapman caught by Rubin Hermann at deep backward square leg.

That proved to be their last bit of success as Daryl Mitchell, 20* off 15 (2x4), and Seifert eased them home with an unbeaten 51-run partnership.

Player of the Match Tim Seifert guided the team home in Harare today with his 11th T20I half-century (66* off 48). Scorecard | https://t.co/IFWc27ea4f #SAvNZ #CricketNation 📷 = Zimbabwe Cricket pic.twitter.com/VlrYogLRKy

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 22, 2025

DREADFUL BATTING FROM SA

In the first innings it was a dreadful effort with the bat from the Proteas, as only Reeza Hendricks managed a decent score, but he even struggled through a patchy innings that ended with him out for 41 off 37 balls (4x4; 1x6).

The Black Caps' bowlers were disciplined, with Adam Milne (2-21), Mitchell Santner (2-26) and Jacob Duffy (2-33) the key wicket takers.

The Proteas' innings got off to a poor start as Van Der Dussen (14) hogged the strike over the first two and a half overs, before stepping away from his stumps aiming a big shot at Milne, only to completely miss the ball and see his off stump uprooted, leaving them on 14-1.

Hermann (10) and Hendricks combined for a 20-run second-wicket stand and seemed to be getting them on track, but a mix-up and some brilliant fielding from Chapman saw Hermann run out at the non-striker's end as they slipped to 34-2 after seven overs.

Dewald Brevis (13) tried to play positively, but also found scoring tough, before trying to ramp a short ball from Will O’Rourke, but just nicked off to keeper Seifert with the score 52-3 in the 10th.

That soon became 57-4 in the 11th as Pretorius (1) popped an easy catch to Duffy off the bowling of Santner.

Hendricks, who was battling to hold onto the strike and watching the carnage from the other end, tried to revive things with Simelane (11) during a 22-run partnership, but Simelane was trapped in front by Santner with SA struggling on 79-5 in the 15th over.

Linde, 23* off 15 (1x4; 1x6), started his innings with a bang as he launched Santner for a four and a six, but that was pretty much as exciting as it got as Hendricks was finally dismissed in the 17th over, hitting Duffy straight to Michael Bracewell at cover, leaving Linde to help limp the Proteas to the end of their innings.

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NEW ZEALAND: Tim Seifert(w), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Zakary Foulkes, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke

SOUTH AFRICA: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius(w), Rassie van der Dussen(c), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Andile Simelane, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Gerald Coetzee, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka

A sizzling half-century from player of the match Rubin Hermann and a more measured effort from Rassie van der Dussen enabled South Africa to cruise to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe with 16 balls to spare in their Tri-Series T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

The victory knocks out Zimbabwe and qualifies the Proteas for next Saturday’s final, which will be against New Zealand, who have so far won both their matches.

Speaking afterwards, Proteas’ skipper Van der Dussen said: “Overall, I felt there were improvements in all aspects. The seamers were great and the death bowling was excellent. Rubin was very good. We'll look at the New Zealand matches (two to come) as a three-match series. We're 1-0 down at present so we’re looking to equal that and win the final.”

Game. Set. Match 🇿🇦💥

The Proteas Men beat Zimbabwe to book their place in next Saturday's Tri-Series final ✅🏆#SSCricket | #ZIMvRSA pic.twitter.com/S5zivdGsoU

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 20, 2025

Chasing 145 for the win, after they had restricted Zimbabwe to 144 for six wickets, South Africa struggled in the first half of their innings, as Zimbabwe had done earlier, before conditions eased and Hermann and Van der Dussen were able to score freely, adding 106 in 68 balls for the third wicket.

The two openers, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks, both failed, with Pretorius mistiming a pull to mid-on off the bowling of paceman Tinotenda Maposa who also accounted for Hendricks, who edged a drive off a wide delivery to wicketkeeper Clive Madande.

Hermann and Van der Dussen came together on 28 for two in the sixth over and were able to benefit from some poor bowling from the Zimbabwean spinners, particularly skipper Sikanda Raza (0-26 off two overs), who bowled too short.

Altogether, the three spinners bled 51 runs in five overs as Hermann, in particular, helped himself to a series of freebies.

Hermann and vd Dussen put South Africa in control 🇿🇦🏏

📺 Stream #ZIMvRSA on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/UG9q3iWMrG

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 20, 2025

The left-hander’s innings, his first half-century at this level, was remarkable for its clean-hitting, with a number of flat-bat smashes past the bowler as he hit three fours and four sixes in his 63 off 36 balls. Van der Dussen was the perfect counterpoint, striking six fours in his measured unbeaten 52, his 10th T20I half-century.

Rubin Hermann is batting with authority 😤🔥

He brings up his half-century with a maximum 🚀

📺 Stream #ZIMvRSA on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/hwSgAwFFzt

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 20, 2025

The match had effectively been won when Hermann was bowled by a delivery from paceman Richard Ngarava that kept a little low, and it remained for the captain and Dewald Brevis to ease their team over the line. Brevis, with a six and a four, saw the match finish in flamboyant fashion as he handsomely drove and pulled boundaries.

Earlier, outstanding bowling at the death by Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger enabled the Proteas to restrict Zimbabwe to their below-par total.

Like South Africa later in the match, Zimbabwe made a sluggish start after Van der Dussen had won the toss and chosen to bowl first. Batting was awkward against the new ball on a pitch where the ball seamed and didn’t come onto the bat. The first boundary only came in the third over when Wessly Madhevere drove Lungi Ngidi over mid-on. The right-hander didn’t last much longer, however, driving Bosch straight to Van der Dussen at mid-off in the next over.

Madande gave Bosch his second wicket shortly afterwards, toe-ending a pull straight back to the bowler, and when skipper Raza swept legspinner Nqaba Peter straight to Burger on the square leg boundary, Zimbabwe were struggling on 44 for three in the ninth over.

Opener Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl then resurrected the innings with a fine partnership of 78 off 47 balls, with Bennett, in particular, increasing the momentum of his and Zimbabwe’s innings after a slow start. The right-hander struck 61 in 43 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, before he was deceived and bowled by a slow yorker from Ngidi.

61 off 43 balls 🇿🇼✨

Brian Bennett fires Zimbabwe into a strong position 💪

📺 Stream #ZIMvRSA on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/0MFFbzTYKo

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 20, 2025

The 21-year-old’s fourth T20I half-century, however, proved to be the high-water mark of the Zimbabwe innings as the lower-order subsided with no one able to provide support for Burl, who was denied the strike or tied down by Burger and Bosch, finally finishing unbeaten on 36 in 31 balls.

Bosch and Burger performed a star turn for the Proteas with the former finishing with 2-16 off four overs and the latter 1-20 off his full spell. Peter and Ngidi claimed a wicket each, while the other wicket came from a run-out when Burl sent back Tony Munyonga when the tailender attempted a second run, George Linde and wicketkeeper Pretorious effecting the run-out.

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ZIMBABWE: Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wkt), Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu

SOUTH AFRICA: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wkt), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (capt), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Matt Henry took three wickets and Devon Conway hit an unbeaten half-century as New Zealand outclassed hosts Zimbabwe by eight wickets in their tri-series match at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

Zimbabwe made a promising start but could only score 120-7 after being sent in. Fast bowler Henry took 3-26.

New Zealand needed only 13.5 overs to secure the win, with left-handed opening batsman Conway making 59 not out off 40 balls.

Two from two! An 8-wicket win, guided home by Devon Conway’s 59*. Scorecard | https://t.co/h6VsmuK0pN Highlights on @ThreeNewZealand 📺 #ZIMvNZ #CricketNation 📷 = Zimbabwe Cricket pic.twitter.com/NklBqu5otT

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 18, 2025

New Zealand's fast bowlers, led by Henry, made good use of short-pitched deliveries while left-arm spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra gained bounce and turn from a dry pitch.

Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett put on 37 for the first wicket before Bennett (21) top-edged a short ball from Henry to square leg in the sixth over.

Madhevere took 11 runs off Henry's first over but struggled for fluency in making 36 runs off 32 balls, while none of the batsmen were able to master New Zealand's spin bowlers.

"They came out quite aggressive in the power play but we adapted well with the ball," said New Zealand captain Santner.

LUCKY BREAK FOR CONWAY

Player of the match Conway was dropped on one at backward point off Richard Ngarava in the first over of New Zealand's reply and opening partner Tim Seifert was caught at cover for three off Blessing Muzarabani in the next over.

But Conway and Ravindra put on 59 for the second wicket before Daryl Mitchell joined Conway to take the Black Caps to a victory which virtually ensures them a place in the final on 26 July.

"I got a bit lucky early on," admitted Conway. He said Ngarava and Muzarabani bowled well on a "challenging" surface. "It was nice to get through that period," he said.

Zimbabwe will have to win their remaining matches against South Africa and New Zealand by big margins to have any chance of reaching the final.

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ZIMBABWE: Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

NEW ZEALAND: Tim Seifert(w), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

New Zealand win the toss and elect to bowl in the third match of the tri SeriesThe umpires and Zimbabwe's opening batters make their way out to the middle.

 

Here come New Zealand. They have made four changes and it is because the guys coming in today were playing in the MLC which concluded recently. So they appear to have strengthened their side. Henry has the new ball and is at the top of his mark. One slip in place.

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ZIMBABWE: Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

NEW ZEALAND: Tim Seifert(w), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

New Zealand held their nerve to beat South Africa by 21 runs – with 10 balls to spare – in their Tri-Series T20I clash at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

The Proteas, who had beaten Zimbabwe by five wickets in their opening match on Monday, will be disappointed that they were unable to reach their victory target of 174, being bowled out for 152 when they looked the likelier winners on a number of occasions during the match.

The Proteas fall short as the Black Caps seal a 21-run victory at Harare Sports Club🤏🇳🇿🇿🇦#SAvNZL | #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/oa5FUhemQK

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 16, 2025

Having won the toss and sent the Black Caps into bat, the Proteas will regret that they were unable to profit from reducing their opponents to 70-5 in the 10th over with Tim Robinson and Pretoria-born debutant Bevon Jacobs rescuing the innings with an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 103 in 63 balls.

South Africa’s second position of strength came in their opening partnership of 31 in just 3.2 overs with Lhuan-dre Pretorius slamming six fours in his 17-ball 27.

Comfortable playing aggressive strokes, particularly cover drives and pulls, Pretorius looked in prime form and well capable of leading his team to victory.

Out of nowhere, however, he came a cropper when he tried to finesse a late cut off paceman Matt Henry, edging tamely to wicketkeeper Tim Seifert.

Rubin Hermann, so effective against Zimbabwe, came and went, splicing a pull off Jacob Duffy to mid-on, then debutant Senuran Muthusamy, sent in early, was bowled playing a loose drive off legspinner Ish Sodhi.

Rassie van der Dussen was then brilliantly run out by Mitchell Santner after he showed indecision in going for a quick single.

The captain’s departure made the total 62-5 in the ninth over, but then Dewald Brevis and George Linde raced to a partnership of 39 in 20 balls with Brevis belting three huge sixes in his 20-ball 35 before he gave his wicket away lofting Henry to Darryl Mitchell at wide mid-on.

Linde, however, took over Brevis’s mantle as he and Gerald Coetzee added 37 in 27 balls with the left-hander striking two huge sixes.

But then, with 26 needed off 14 balls, Duffy bowled a slow bouncer that Linde mistimed to Devon Conway on the midwicket boundary.

The game was up, with Kwena Mphaka going next ball and Coetzee holing out to Jimmy Neesham – New Zealand’s pre-eminent fielder in a brilliant fielding display from the Black Caps – in the 19th over.

ROBINSON-JACOBS TO THE RESCUE

Earlier, player of the match Robinson and debutant Jacobs added an adventurous 103 off 63 balls in their team’s moment of crisis with Robinson striking six fours and three sixes in his 75 in 57 balls, his second T20I half-century and his biggest score to date, while Jacobs cracked three sixes and a four in his 30-ball 44.

Tim Robinson's 2nd T20I half-century and new career-best (75*) leading the way. #SAvNZ #CricketNation 📷 = Zimbabwe Cricket pic.twitter.com/hEqjtyurWc

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 16, 2025

The pair enjoyed a few early moments of luck but finally gauged the pace and bounce in the pitch to take the fight to their opponents.

The New Zealand top-order had mistimed a succession of hooks to the outfield, with Conway (9), Mitchell (5) and Neesham (0) all top-edging their shots to boundary riders off short-pitched deliveries by South Africa’s pacemen.

Opener Seifert, who fell to a good catch by Muthusamy on the square-leg boundary, was undone by a slower ball from Lungi Ngidi.

The most effective bowler for the Proteas was Muthusamy who trapped Mitchell Hay leg before to claim the excellent figures of 1-19 in his four overs.

He varied his pace and angles off attack subtly and was unlucky not to claim more wickets.

Kwena Maphaka took 2-38 in four, while Gerald Coetzee and Ngidi took one scalp apiece.

Speaking afterwards, Van der Dussen said: “Our bowlers did their part but we couldn’t get it together with the bat. But in saying that there’s a certain way that we want to play. It’s not a good batting performance but it’s not the end of the world.”

The victorious Kiwi captain, Santner, described the win as “a great team performance”.

He said Robinson and Jacobs’s partnership was “outstanding”.

“The Proteas put us under pressure in the powerplay but to get to 173 was good. We also learnt that getting wickets regularly would help in the second innings.”

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SOUTH AFRICA: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rassie van der Dussen (capt), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

NEW ZEALAND: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

Dewald Brevis smashed a brisk 41 off 17 balls, and Rubin Hermann announced himself to international cricket with a well-played 45 as they steered South Africa to a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in their Tri-Series T20I encounter at Harare Sports Club on Monday afternoon.

South Africa completed the chase with 25 balls to spare. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. Their captain, Rassie van der Dussen, was keen to capitalise on the swing on offer in the early afternoon. His bowlers did well to restrict the hosts to a total of 141/6, which is below par at Harare Sports Club.

“That partnership they had (Hermann and Brevis), it was brilliant. Overall, pretty happy with that performance. Dewald, he has played the IPL, the SA20, he has had a brilliant 6-12 months. Rubin has been around the domestic circuit forever and did not look out of his depth at all,” Van der Dussen shared after the match.

Hermann, who was making his debut for the visitors, gave a good account of himself with a well-made 45 from 37 balls. The left-hander arrived at the wicket in the third over, following the dismissals of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks. Pretorius did not get his eye in, and Hendricks chopped onto his stumps just when it looked like the seasoned campaigner was about to unleash.

Hermann had some difficulty in adapting to the surface, and his struggles forced Rassie van der Dussen into taking matters into his hands to keep the scoreboard ticking. That led to the demise of the South African captain. However, once he got going, Hermann was unstoppable. The 28-year-old couldn't see South Africa past the finish line; he was undone by Richard Ngarava in the 15th over. South Africa needed only 12 runs to win.

Hermann was one part of a brilliant 72-run match-winning partnership with Dewald Brevis, who was judged to be the Player of the Match for his scintillating knock. The pair nullified Zimbabwe's good start with the ball to set the visitors up for victory.

“We were in an interesting position (when I came in to bat) but we were only a few boundaries away. There was no need to rush anything or go searching - plan was to keep it simple and play our game,” Brevis said.

Brevis smashed a 17-ball 41 that turned the match around. South Africa was on 38/3 after 5.4 overs and in need of a solid partnership to bat them out of the hole they were in. The 22-year-old did not just build a match-winning partnership with Rubin Hermann; he played a high-impact knock that turned things around.

Brevis unleashed his hitting ability in the 11th over. The 22-year-old hammered 24 runs off Ryan Burl to put South Africa in the driving seat. The over cost Zimbabwe a total of 25 runs. Brevis fell while trying to clear the fielder at extra cover. Instead, he miscued the ball and was caught by Sikandar Raza.

There wasn't much to do after Brevis' dismissal. South Africa needed fewer runs than the balls left in the contest. Hermann got the visitors close with a 20-run partnership with Corbin Bosch (22*). Then Bosch and George Linde (4*) saw the visitors home with a 12-run sixth-wicket partnership.

Lungi Ngidi takes an early wicket and levels Dale Steyn on 64 T20I wickets for South Africa 🇿🇦#ZIMvSA #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/v3D98C3HKL

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 14, 2025

Richard Ngarava proved to be a handful for South Africa's batters, and the pacer was rewarded for his effort with three wickets for 35 runs in four overs. He was Zimbabwe's most successful bowler and is now the hosts’ highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 83 scalps. Trevor Gwandu chipped in with a brace of wickets for 15 runs in 3.1 overs.

“The scan in England was not too nice for him (Ngarava). He has worked really hard and he has come back earlier. He has the heart of a lion,” Raza shared.

Zimbabwe struggled to get a foothold in the match when they were batting. Their start was so slow that not even the entertaining 66-run fourth-wicket partnership between Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl could dig them out of trouble. The partnership was highly dependent on Raza's experience and ability.

The Zimbabwe captain led from the front with a wonderful unbeaten 54 from 38 balls. This is his 15th T20I half-century, and he reached the milestone in 34 balls. Burl scored a 20-ball 29 and needed to stay with Raza in the middle for longer for Zimbabwe to have any hope of reaching a competitive total.

The hosts did not have many contributors with the bat. Brian Bennett held the Zimbabwe innings together early on with a patient 28-ball 30. Unfortunately, he couldn't kick on after fighting to construct a platform for the hosts.

“Credit to Linde, his three overs suddenly changed the game. If that was a little different, we might have had 150-160. We were not sure about the wicket - we now know these are not going to be high-scoring games. We lost wickets at the wrong time and that put the brakes (on our innings),” Raza explained.

George Linde delivered a masterclass in bowling at the death with two wickets and four runs in the 20th over. The spinner was South Africa's best bowler and finished the match with three wickets from four overs, at a cost of 10 runs. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Nqaba Peter took a wicket each.

---

ZIMBABWE: Brian Bennett, Wessley Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza (Capt), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.

SOUTH AFRICA: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rassie van der Dussen (Capt), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway will replace the injured Finn Allen in the New Zealand squad for the 20-overs tri-series in Zimbabwe, New Zealand Cricket said on Sunday.

Allen has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a foot injury while representing the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket in the United States.

"We're really gutted for Finn," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said in a statement issued by the New Zealand association.

"I was looking forward to working with him and to see him continue his form from the MLC but unfortunately injuries happen.

"We're lucky to be able to call on someone of Devon’s quality to replace Finn."

Mitch Hay, Jimmy Neesham and Tim Robinson will also join the squad as cover for Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, who are involved in the MLC final on Monday.

"We knew there'd be a possibility that a handful of players could be involved in the MLC final on Monday, so we’re bringing in Mitch, Jimmy and Tim as possible replacements," Walter said.

Hosts Zimbabwe face South Africa in the tournament opener on Sunday. New Zealand begin their campaign against South Africa on Wednesday.

New Black Caps coach Rob Walter says Kane Williamson still wants to represent New Zealand in international cricket despite opting out of the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.

The 34-year-old master batsman turned down a central contract with New Zealand Cricket for this season, enabling him to pick and choose his availability and take up lucrative contracts in franchise cricket.

So instead of playing two tests in Bulawayo in late July and August, Williamson will be captaining London Spirit in The Hundred in England.

"Myself and Kane have had a nice conversation, a long conversation," South African Walter told the New Zealand Herald.

"It was really great to catch up with him and discuss cricket. It was great to get his lens on New Zealand cricket and the Black Caps. He's been so influential in their success over the years.

"But then also to discuss what the future might look like. I've said it repeatedly, he's still very committed to the Black Caps, and wants to play international cricket. I don't think it'll be too long until we see that."

After Zimbabwe, New Zealand play a Twenty20 series against Australia and two limited overs series against England in October before hosting West Indies in all formats at the end of the year.

Williamson stood down as New Zealand's white-ball captain after the Black Caps exited the T20 World Cup last June but played in the Champions Trophy this year.

Exactly what his involvement would be in the short-format game going forward would be a decision for Williamson and he would be welcomed with open arms, Walter said.

"Quality players stay quality players, and they just work at finding a method to be successful in all formats," he added.

"He's a generational talent, I've got no doubt he'd find a way. He's probably jostling with what that actually looks like for him personally. But as I said, quality players find a way."

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Wednesday that opener Finn Allen will miss the Twenty20 tri-series in Zimbabwe later this month due to a foot injury.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury while playing for San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket.

"Allen's recovery timeline will be determined once he has returned to New Zealand and received further specialist consultations," NZC said in a statement, adding that a replacement would be named in due course.

New Zealand's squad will be led by Mitchell Santner and includes hard-hitting batter Bevon Jacobs, who is in line to make his international debut in their July 16 opener against South Africa.

Legspinner Ish Sodhi has high expectations for the South Africa-born 23-year-old.

"This guy's an absolute monster," Sodhi said ahead of the team's departure to Harare.

"He's one of those guys who bat at six and hit six from ball one. It's an asset I don't think we've had a lot of in New Zealand cricket.

"It's great to have that kind of skill."

Zimbabwe face South Africa in the tri-series opener on July 14.

NEW ZEALAND SQUAD: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell will skip the upcoming two-test tour of Zimbabwe with the blessing of New Zealand Cricket, while paceman Ben Sears has been ruled out by a side injury.

Rob Walter, who replaced Gary Stead as coach last month, named his first test squad on Tuesday, awarding a call-up to uncapped young fast bowler Matt Fisher and recalling experienced hands Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls.

"Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process," Walter said in a news release.

"While all test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these tests aren't part of the World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion.

"We will obviously miss their talent and class, but it allows an opportunity to others and we're lucky to be able to call on the likes of Ajaz and Henry who are both proven performers at test level."

All-rounder Bracewell has been allowed to miss the tour to play in The Hundred in England, while paceman Kyle Jamieson has elected to stay in New Zealand for the birth of his first child.

Jamieson's absence offers potential opportunities for Fisher and Jacob Duffy, who has played short-format matches for New Zealand but is yet to win a test cap, in the two matches in Bulawayo in late July and early August.

TEAM: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young

Top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen will stand in as captain for rested Aiden Markram when South Africa play hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand in a Twenty20 tri-series during July.

Markram struck a second-innings 136 at Lord's this month to steer South Africa to a five-wicket victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final.

Batters Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, allrounder Marco Jansen, quick Kagiso Rabada and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj are also rested.

"The all-format guys have been rested (as) their last couple of months have been chock-a-block," said coach Shukri Conrad on Thursday after naming the squad.

"It was a really big thing for me that they get a really good break away from cricket and freshen up.

"We will also use this opportunity to look at guys that potentially could stake a claim to make the (2026) T20 World Cup squad," he added.

Rassie van der Dussen will lead a 14-man @ProteasMenCSA squad in the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand 🇿🇦🇿🇼🇳🇿#SSCricket pic.twitter.com/S3hxXkxePA

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 26, 2025

Seamers Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger return after lengthy injury-induced absences from the Proteas.

Hamstring and groin injuries sidelined Coetzee while a lower-back stress fracture ruled out Burger.

The squad includes two uncapped cricketers – batters Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rubin Hermann, while left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy and allrounder Corbin Bosch are set for their T20 international debuts.

South Africa face Zimbabwe in the series opener on 14 July at Harare Sports Club and the final is scheduled for 26 July.

SQUAD

Rassie van der Dussen (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane

Coach: Shukri Conrad (RSA)

The Proteas have called up four newcomers to their 14-player squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Harare from 14-26 July.

The uncapped players are Momentum Multiply Titans duo Corbin Bosch and Lhuan-dré Pretorius, North West Dragons batter Rubin Hermann and Dafabet Warriors spinner Senuran Muthusamy.

Rassie van der Dussen will captain the side.

Rassie van der Dussen will lead a 14-man @ProteasMenCSA squad in the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand 🇿🇦🇿🇼🇳🇿#SSCricket pic.twitter.com/S3hxXkxePA

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 26, 2025

Both Pretorius and Hermann were among the breakout stars of the 2025 edition of the Betway SA20 for Paarl Royals.

Pretorius finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 397 runs at a strike rate of more than 166, including a blistering 97 off 51 balls against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Batting at No 3, Hermann recorded 333 runs at a strike rate of 128.08 and an equally impressive average of 41.43

Bosch, who is already capped in one-day internationals (ODI) and tests, played a key role in MI Cape Town’s maiden SA20 title-winning campaign last season, taking 11 wickets in eight matches.

Meanwhile, Muthusamy is one of frontline three spinners in the squad, alongside World Sports Betting Western Province George Linde and DP World Lions Nqaba Peter.

Dewald Brevis makes his return to the T20I setup, having last featured in two matches against Australia in 2023.

The bowling unit is bolstered by the return of fast bowlers Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee.

Burger is back in the national setup for the first time since October after recovering from a lumbar stress fracture, while Coetzee, now fully fit following a groin injury, last played for the Proteas in November.

CONRAD'S FIRST T20 ASSIGNMENT

The Tri-Series also marks coach Shukri Conrad's first T20I assignment since being appointed as the senior men’s all-format head coach.

The squad will assemble for a two-day camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from 9-10 July under the guidance of SA A head coach Wandile Gwavu, before departing for Harare on 11 July.

South Africa will open the Tri-Series against Zimbabwe on 14 July at Harare Sports Club.

Commenting on the squad, Conrad said: “This T20I Tri-Series marks the start of our preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup. With several senior players rested as part of their workload management, it creates space for these players to step in and show what they can offer, and bring them into contention for World Cup selection.

“Lhuan-dré and Rubin have been rewarded for their outstanding domestic form in the SA20 and we’re excited to see how they adapt to the demands of international cricket. We know what Corbin has to offer at this level and we are keen to see how his test and ODI skills will translate to the T20I arena.

“Having three quality spin options gives us a great deal of variety, especially in conditions like Harare. Senuran has been impressive in the domestic setup and his ability to contribute with the bat adds great balance to the squad.

“Rassie has led the side before and brings experience to the role, while providing valuable support to the younger players on this tour,” concluded Conrad.

SA SQUAD

Rassie van der Dussen (captain, DP World Lions), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Nandre Burger (World Sports Betting Western Province), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Rubin Hermann (North-West Dragons), George Linde (World Sports Betting Western Province), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans) and Andile Simelane (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).

FIXTURES

Monday, 14 July - 1pm

Zimbabwe v South Africa – Harare Sports Club

Wednesday, 16 July - 1pm

South Africa v New Zealand – Harare Sports Club

Friday, 18 July - 1pm

Zimbabwe v New Zealand – Harare Sports Club

Sunday, 20 July - 1pm

Zimbabwe v South Africa – Harare Sports Club

Tuesday, 22 July - 1pm

New Zealand v South Africa – Harare Sports Club

Thursday, 24 July - 1pm

Zimbabwe v New Zealand – Harare Sports Club

Saturday, 26 July - 1pm

Number 1 v Number 2 – Harare Sports Club