Harare, July 24: New Zealand continued its dominant run in the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025, thrashing hosts Zimbabwe by 60 runs in the sixth and final league match at Harare Sports Club. With this win, Mitchell Santner’s men completed a clean sweep in the round-robin stage, setting up an exciting final clash against South Africa.
For Zimbabwe, led by the experienced Sikandar Raza, it was yet another frustrating outing, especially with the bat. Despite flashes of brilliance, the team failed to chase down the steep target and wrapped up their group campaign with another defeat.
Slow Start, Explosive Middle: New Zealand Posts 190/6
Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner elected to bat first under clear skies in Harare. The innings started on a shaky note with the Kiwis losing their first wicket for just 19 runs, but what followed was a remarkable recovery powered by a classy partnership between Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert stole the show with a blistering 75 off 45 balls, smashing 9 fours and a six with flair. His calculated aggression in the middle overs laid the perfect platform for a big score. At the other end, Rachin Ravindra matched his partner stroke for stroke, contributing a valuable 63 runs, making the Zimbabwean bowlers toil under pressure.
The pair added over 100 runs together and pushed New Zealand to a formidable 190/6 in 20 overs, despite a late surge by Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
Richard Ngarava Shines in a Losing Cause
While Zimbabwe’s bowling had a rough day overall, Richard Ngarava emerged as the silver lining. The left-arm pacer bowled with heart and precision, claiming 4 wickets, including the crucial dismissals of both Seifert and Ravindra. Tinotenda Maposa also chipped in with 2 wickets, but the damage was already done.
Zimbabwe Falters in Chase, Sodhi Spins a Web
Chasing 191 was always going to be a tough ask for Zimbabwe, and the hosts got off to a poor start, losing a wicket early at 21 runs. The top and middle order failed to capitalize, and despite a brave knock from Tony Munyonga, the required run rate kept climbing beyond reach.
Munyonga’s 40 off 30 balls, featuring 2 boundaries and 3 sixes, gave a glimmer of hope. Tashinga Musekiwa also tried to hold the innings together with 21 runs, but no major partnerships materialized, and wickets fell at regular intervals.
The innings folded in 18.5 overs for 130 runs, handing New Zealand a comprehensive 60-run win.
Ish Sodhi Spins It New Zealand’s Way
The hero with the ball for New Zealand was none other than Ish Sodhi. The leg-spinner was unplayable at times and finished with figures of 4/19, breaking the back of Zimbabwe’s chase. He received good support from Matt Henry, who picked up 2 wickets with his disciplined pace bowling.
Match Summary – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 6th T20I 2025
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- New Zealand: 190/6 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 75, Rachin Ravindra 63; Richard Ngarava 4/35)
- Zimbabwe: 130 all out in 18.5 overs (Tony Munyonga 40, Musekiwa 21; Ish Sodhi 4/19, Matt Henry 2/28)
- Result: New Zealand won by 60 runs
- Player of the Match: Tim Seifert (New Zealand)
What’s Next?
With this win, New Zealand remains unbeaten in the group stage and will now face South Africa in the final of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025. The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-balanced sides.
As for Zimbabwe, it’s back to the drawing board. Their campaign showed occasional sparks but lacked the consistency needed to trouble stronger opposition. With promising talents like Munyonga and Musekiwa emerging, the future still holds promise if backed with structure and experience.
New Zealand has once again shown why they are one of the most consistent T20 sides in world cricket. With balanced contributions from both bat and ball, and key players like Seifert and Sodhi stepping up when it mattered, the Kiwis look well set for a strong finish in the tournament. All eyes now turn to the much-anticipated final against South Africa — a showdown that could go down to the wire.
