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New Zealand clinched the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series title in a last-ball thriller against South Africa. In a high-scoring clash between two quality sides, the Kiwis held their nerve to hand the Proteas a heartbreaking defeat, winning by a narrow margin of just 3 runs.
New Zealand top order fires once again as South Africa lacks control in the Final
In the high-stakes clash, New Zealand were invited to bat first. Their top order once again provided a flying start, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra anchoring the innings with 47 runs each. Tim Seifert also chipped in with a valuable 30 at the top. Later, some handy contributions from the lower middle order ensured that the Kiwis finished strongly, posting a competitive total of 180 for 5 in their 20 overs.
For South Africa, it was the experienced Lungi Ngidi who stood out with the ball, conceding just 24 runs and picking up 2 wickets in his four overs. Apart from him, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, and Senuran Muthusamy picked up a wicket each, but were unable to prevent New Zealand from setting a strong target.
Matt Henry’s final over heroics powers New Zealand to a win
In the second innings, South Africa’s batters showed great intent. Lhuan-dre Pretorius anchored the chase with a well-made 51, while Reeza Hendricks supported with a 37-run knock featuring four sixes. Dewald Brevis added late fireworks with a rapid 31 off 16 but got out in the last over. Rassie van der Dussen and George Linde made small contributions, but couldn’t carry the momentum as South Africa fell just short in a thrilling finish.
New Zealand’s bowlers used all their experience to pull things back after South Africa got off to a flying start, racing to 92 for the first wicket. Matt Henry was the standout performer, delivering a superb final over while defending just 7 runs. His exceptional spell of 2 for 19 proved to be the turning point. With this win, New Zealand capped off a brilliant campaign, winning all five matches and lifting the tri-series trophy.
Also WATCH: Ish Sodhi wrecks havoc with a brilliant 4-wicket haul in the ZIM vs NZ clash
Here’s how fans reacted:
WHAT A WIN NEWZEALAND 🔥
South Africa lost the match which they won, excellent bowling by Matt Henry .
— CricTalkWith – Atif 🏏 (@cricatif)
Matt Henry has defended 7 runs in the last over successfully against South Africa who had their 6 wickets in hand.
South Africa have chocked another knock-out game as NZ have won the ZIM-SA-NZ T20 tri-series.
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi)
A last ball thriller at Harare which didn't go our way! 💔
— MI Cape Town (@MICapeTown)
– Won the Test series in India.
– Champions Trophy final.
– Won the T20I Tri Series in Zimbabwe.WHAT A TEAM, THE CONSISTENCY OF NEW ZEALAND 🎯👌
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Bumrah
Hazalwood
Matt Henry
Three best all format bowler for present time— Ajit Rajput (@Random2035873)
South Africa fall short in another final.
Required just 7 runs from 7 balls, but New Zealand held their nerve in the end.
A heartbreaking finish for the Proteas. 💔
Matt Henry 👌Congratulations— Rajesh Thakur 🇮🇳 (@thakurrajesh30)
Player of the match: Matt Henry
Player of the series: Matt Henry— #BackTheBLACKCAPS 🇳🇿 (@KW_Fans436)
Tri Series Final – Matt Magic from Henry
SA needed 7 to win and he delivered 0 W 2 1 W 0
Against Dewald Brevis and George Linde, got both of them out and won the final for New Zealand.
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall)
Amazing final it was.
Congratulations team New Zealand for winning against South Africa.
Last over was simply Amazing by Henry , saved 7 runs for his team.Congratulations
Pic Fancode
— RJ ALOK (@OYERJALOK)
What a thriller🔥
– New Zealand are the champs of this T20I tri-series 🌟
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
