Harare – In a high-octane clash at the Harare Sports Club, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 21 runs in the second match of the ongoing Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025. The Kiwis delivered a strong all-round performance, led by a composed 75 from Tim Robinson* and a combined bowling masterclass from Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, to clinch their first win of the tournament.
South Africa, chasing a challenging target of 174, were bowled out for 152 in 18.2 overs, falling short despite an explosive cameo from Dewald Brevis.
New Zealand Set a Competitive Total
Batting first after South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl, New Zealand posted 173/5 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by young batter Tim Robinson, who struck a fluent 75 not out off 57 balls, including 6 boundaries and 3 sixes.
The Kiwis were in early trouble at 70/5 inside the 10th over, after a flurry of quick wickets including Daryl Mitchell (5), Mitchell Hay (2), and James Neesham (0). However, a critical unbeaten 103-run partnership between Robinson and Bevon Jacobs (44 off 30)* for the sixth wicket ensured New Zealand finished strong.
South African bowlers had mixed results, with Kwena Maphaka (2/38) and Senuran Muthusamy (1/19) being the pick of the lot.
South Africa Falter in the Chase
South Africa began their chase aggressively, reaching 50/3 in the powerplay, but regular wickets derailed the innings. Dewald Brevis looked dangerous, smashing 35 off just 18 balls, while George Linde added 30 off 20 in a spirited middle-overs resistance.
However, New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerve:
- Matt Henry ripped through the middle and lower order to claim 3 wickets for 34 runs, including the crucial scalps of Pretorius and Brevis.
- Jacob Duffy impressed with 3/20 in 4 overs, maintaining pressure throughout.
- Ish Sodhi’s spin delivered two key breakthroughs, including that of Corbin Bosch.
South Africa crumbled from 101/5 to 152 all out, losing their last five wickets for just 51 runs.
Score Summary
New Zealand: 173/5 (Tim Robinson 75*, Bevon Jacobs 44*; Kwena Maphaka 2/38)
South Africa: 152 all out (Dewald Brevis 35, George Linde 30; Matt Henry 3/34, Jacob Duffy 3/20)
Result: New Zealand won by 21 runs
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Player of the Match: Tim Robinson
With this win, New Zealand opens their account in the tri-series after a rocky start and now look poised for momentum heading into their next game. South Africa, despite showing flashes of brilliance, will rue the missed opportunity and aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixture.
The Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 continues to deliver close contests and rising talents as the teams battle it out for early bragging rights ahead of the T20 World Cup season.
