New Zealand continued their dominant run in the Zimbabwe Twenty20 international tri-series, defeating South Africa by seven wickets at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
After being sent in to bat, South Africa managed only 134 for eight in their 20 overs, struggling to build momentum despite a cautious start. They scored just 18 runs in the first five overs, with New Zealand’s bowlers delivering an exceptional powerplay performance.
“The way we bowled in the powerplay was outstanding,” said Black Caps skipper Mitchell Santner, praising his bowlers for using swing and tight lengths to stifle the Proteas.
Jacob Duffy and Adam Milne claimed two wickets apiece, while Zachary Foulkes impressed by conceding just 12 runs in his three overs.
Chasing a modest target, Tim Seifert led the charge with an unbeaten 66, guiding New Zealand to victory with 25 balls to spare. His opening partner Devon Conway added 19 as the duo took the total to 50 within five overs, setting the tone for a smooth chase.
South Africa’s spin-heavy strategy backfired immediately. Left-arm spinner George Linde opened the bowling but conceded 15 runs in his first over, including two wides—one that raced to the boundary. He also dropped Seifert at long-off before the batter had scored, a costly miss in hindsight.
Having already beaten South Africa by 21 runs in an earlier group-stage encounter, New Zealand now head into Saturday’s final as strong favourites, once again facing the Proteas at the same venue.
