In a high-voltage clash at Harare Sports Club today, New Zealand toppled South Africa by 21 runs, breaking the Proteas’ unbeaten run in the Tri-Series. A story of gritty comebacks, strategic bowling, and calm under pressure.
🎳 New Zealand Innings: Recovery & Resilience
Kiwis were on the ropes early, reduced to 70/5. But Tim Robinson (75*) and Bevon Jacobs (44*) staged a heroic rescue—adding 103 runs for the sixth wicket to propel New Zealand to 173/5 in 20 overs Wikipedia+12Business Standard+12Outlook India+12Outlook India.
- Tim Robinson anchored the innings with a composed 75 off 57 balls .
- Bevon Jacobs, on T20I debut, impressed with his unbeaten 44 off 30 balls .
🎯 South Africa Innings: Kiwi Bowlers Slam the Door
Chasing 174, South Africa faltered spectacularly:
- Matt Henry struck early, trapping Lhuan-dre Pretorius and punching holes in the chase Wikipedia+4Outlook India+4Business Standard+4.
- Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner triggered a collapse, seeing SA tumble to 61/4 by the 8th over NZ Herald+12Outlook India+12Business Standard+12.
- Jacob Duffy then rocked the Proteas with back-to-back wickets, almost claiming a hat-trick Outlook India.
Though Dewald Brevis and George Linde offered resistance, it wasn’t enough. South Africa were eventually bundled out for 152/9 in 19 overs, falling short by 21 runs Wikipedia+10Outlook India+10Business Standard+10.
🌟 Players of the Match
- Tim Robinson: Anchored the innings, delivering a mature 75 under intense pressure.
- Jacob Duffy: His double-strike burst swung the game fully back in New Zealand’s favor.
🔍 Tactical Turning Points
- Middle-overs masterclass – Robinson and Jacobs rebuilt the innings when all hope seemed lost.
- Early breakthroughs – Henry’s double strikes set the tone for an unstoppable Kiwi bowling attack.
- Death-over collapse – South Africa never recovered after key middle-order wickets fell in quick succession.
🧭 What This Means for the Series
With one win each, the series now hangs in the balance. New Zealand’s comeback shows they aren’t pushovers, while South Africa must regroup ahead of their next Test against Zimbabwe.