- July 23, 2025
SA vs NZ (5th Match) – Highlights
New Zealand made light work of South Africa in the fifth Match of the Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series, sealing a 7-wicket win with 25 deliveries still left in the bank. It was a performance underpinned by discipline with the ball and a match-defining innings from Tim Seifert, who would be awarded Player of the Match for his not-out 66 and two sharp catches behind the stumps.
SA, after being asked to bat first, never quite found the rhythm needed on a slowish Harare surface. Rassie van der Dussen, leading the side, got off to a start but was dismissed for 14 by the pace of Adam Milne. Reeza Hendricks held one end up with a composed 41 off 37 balls, striking four boundaries and a six, but lacked support from the other batters. Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius all fell cheaply, unable to navigate a tight New Zealand attack.
The innings briefly gained momentum in the latter stages, thanks to a breezy 23 off 15 from George Linde, who added some crucial late runs. South Africa closed their innings on 134 for 8 from 20 overs, a total that always looked under par given the dew and the power in New Zealand’s batting. The pick of New Zealand’s bowlers, Jacob Duffy and Adam Milne, grabbed two wickets apiece while keeping the run flow in check. Mitchell Santner, the captain, chipped in with two crucial middle-over scalps to dent South Africa’s ambitions.
NZ chase was never in doubt once Devon Conway and Tim Seifert got going. Conway made a brisk 19 before falling to Andile Simelane, but his dismissal barely affected the momentum. It was a mature display from Seifert, who paced his knock with clarity and intent. His 66* off 48 balls was laced with six boundaries and two sixes, and he rotated the strike smartly in between the big shots.
While Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman fell cheaply to Senuran Muthusamy, Seifert found a calm ally in Daryl Mitchell, who played the supporting role to perfection. Mitchell’s 20* off 15 ensured there were no hiccups in the chase, as New Zealand crossed the finish line in just 15.5 overs, putting on a clinical display of run-chasing in T20 cricket.
SA’s lack of penetration with the ball proved costly in their attempt to protect a small total. Gerald Coetzee and George Linde went for over ten runs an over, while their fielding and discipline also let them down — the 17 wides in the innings told a grim story.
This win strengthens NZ’s position in the tri-series, while South Africa will be left wondering how to lift their game ahead of the final round. With Tim Seifert finding form at the right time, the Kiwis are peaking when it matters most.
South Africa vs New Zealand Scoreboard
South Africa – 134/8 (20)
New Zealand – 135/3 (15.5)
Result – New Zealand won by 7 wickets (with 25 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Tim Seifert
Tim Seifert
SA vs NZ Playing XIs
South Africa | Rassie van der Dussen (c), Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Andile Simelane, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Senuran Muthusamy, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka |
New Zealand | Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Will O’Rourke |
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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