- July 17, 2025
NZ vs SA (2nd Match) – Highlights
NZ showcased a commanding performance to secure a 21-run victory over SA in the 2nd match of the Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series held at Harare on July 16, 2025. South Africa’s pursuit of 174 runs ended prematurely at 152 in 18.2 overs, falling short of New Zealand’s mark. The match was highlighted by outstanding individual performances and some crucial moments that ultimately tilted the balance in favor of the Black Caps.
NZ’s innings was anchored by an unbeaten 75 from Tim Robinson, who proved to be the backbone of their total. His patient yet aggressive approach saw him craft a well-paced innings, hitting six fours and three sixes from 57 balls with a strike rate of 131.57. Robinson’s ability to hold the innings together after early losses ensured New Zealand set a challenging target.
Opening batsman Tim Seifert gave a brisk start with 22 runs off 16 balls but fell early. Devon Conway struggled to make a significant impact, scoring 9 runs, while the middle order faltered briefly with Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Hay contributing minimally. However, Bevon Jacobs provided a late flourish with a quick 44 not out off 30 balls, boosting the final total to 173 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.
The New Zealand bowling attack then stepped up to the plate and led by Jacob Duffy, who was awarded the Cricinfo MVP with a destructive spell. Duffy’s 4 overs saw him take 3 wickets for just 20 runs and at an economy of 5.00, which was key to strangling the South African chase. Henry again was strong with his 3 for 34 off a tight 3.2 overs, and with Sodhi taking 2 wickets for the same amount of runs. The bowling unit was excellent and applied sustained pressure to the South African batting line-up that limited the big partnerships.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s quickfire 27 from 17 balls, featuring six boundaries, gave South Africa a strong platform in the chase. About 100 runs was always a score comfortable enough for South Africa’s innings to begin with, and even more so as Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis looked comfortable, Brevis especially scintillating with a score of 35 off just 18 balls at the mind-boggling strike rate of 194.44. Linde’s timely 30 runs from 20 balls offered a lifeline as South Africa struggled with regular wickets up front.
Despite the efforts of a few batsmen, SA never quite managed to build the momentum required to overhaul the target. The disciplined New Zealand bowling attack maintained tight lines and lengths, exploiting the pressure situations well. Extras, including wides and leg byes, were kept to a minimum, which further frustrated the South African batsmen.
The fall of wickets at regular intervals meant South Africa could never settle, and the target of 174 proved just out of reach. New Zealand’s victory not only highlighted their batting depth but also their bowling strength, which will be crucial as the tri-series progresses.
New Zealand vs South Africa Scoreboard
New Zealand – 173/5 (20)
South Africa – 152/10 (18.2)
Result – New Zealand won by 21 runs
Player of the Match – Tim Robinson
Tim Robinson
NZ vs SA Playing Eleven
New Zealand | Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, James Neesham, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. |
South Africa | Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wicketkeeper), Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Senuran Muthusamy, Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi. |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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