In a nail-biting finale at Harare Sports Club, New Zealand held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 3-run win over South Africa in the final of the T20 tri-series on Saturday. Powered by superb batting performances from Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway and a match-defining bowling spell by Matt Henry, the Kiwis defended 180 in a tense finish to lift the trophy.
Winning the toss, South Africa opted to bowl first, hoping to make early inroads. However, New Zealand’s top order laid a strong foundation with aggressive strokeplay, keeping the scoreboard ticking briskly.
Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway both smashed 47 runs apiece, forming the backbone of the Kiwi innings. Ravindra’s 47 off just 27 balls was a mix of clean hitting and clever placement, while Conway’s composed 47 from 31 deliveries ensured a steady flow of runs in the middle overs. Tim Seifert chipped in with a crucial 30 off 28 balls to keep the momentum going.
Lungi Ngidi was the standout bowler for South Africa with figures of 2/24 from his four overs, while Senuran Muthusamy and youngster Kwena Maphaka managed to pick up a wicket each, but New Zealand still managed to reach a competitive 180/5 in their 20 overs.
In response, South Africa’s chase began with promise but faltered under pressure. Opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius led the charge with a brilliant 51 off 35 balls, showcasing his potential with clean and fearless hitting. Reeza Hendricks contributed 37 (31), and the dangerous Dewald Brevis injected life into the chase with a quickfire 31 off just 16 balls.
However, Matt Henry had other plans. The experienced seamer delivered a clutch performance when it mattered the most, finishing with outstanding figures of 2/19 in three overs and taking home both the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards. His dismissals of key batters, combined with tight lines, kept the Proteas at bay.
Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell provided crucial support with one wicket each, and New Zealand’s fielding remained sharp in the dying moments of the match. Despite a spirited attempt from the South African lower order, they fell just short, finishing at 177/6 in 20 overs.
This win marks a fitting end to the tri-series for New Zealand, who showed resilience and consistency throughout the tournament. Captain Tim Southee praised the team’s effort, saying, “It was a collective performance. Everyone stepped up, and Matt [Henry] was exceptional throughout.”
On the other hand, South Africa, although disappointed, will take heart from the performances of their young guns like Pretorius and Brevis, who continue to make their mark on the international stage.
The Harare crowd witnessed a thrilling finale that perfectly capped off a competitive tri-nation series — a reminder of how even non-World Cup contests can deliver unforgettable moments.
