Match Overview
In the 5th match of the T20I Tri-Series 2025 in Harare, New Zealand crushed South Africa by 7 wickets, successfully chasing down a modest target of 135 in just 15.5 overs. The win extended New Zealand’s undefeated streak in the tournament and sealed their top spot ahead of the final.
Scorecard Snapshot
South Africa: 134/8 (20 overs)
- Reeza Hendricks: 41 (37)
- George Linde: 23* (15)
- Adam Milne: 2/21 | Mitchell Santner: 2/26 | Jacob Duffy: 2/33
New Zealand: 135/3 (15.5 overs)
- Tim Seifert: 66* (48)
- Devon Conway: 26 (19)
- Daryl Mitchell: 20* (12)
Player of the Match: Tim Seifert
With an unbeaten 66 off 48 balls, Tim Seifert played a masterclass in anchoring a chase on a slightly tricky Harare pitch. His confident strokeplay, crisp footwork, and ability to rotate the strike kept the chase on track and eventually brought New Zealand home with ease.
Turning Points
1. Powerplay Pressure by NZ Bowlers
- South Africa crawled to just 17/1 after 5 overs, thanks to sharp spells by Milne and Duffy.
- The early strangulation stifled any momentum and exposed the middle order early.
2. Middle-Order Collapse
- From 43/1, South Africa collapsed to 79/5.
- Their decision to promote Lhuan-dré Pretorius backfired, as he scored just 3.
3. 51-Run Opening Stand
- Seifert and Conway’s aggressive start set the tone for the chase.
- With 50 up in under 6 overs, the required rate was always in control.
Tactical Insights
- New Zealand combined aggressive batting with disciplined bowling—perfect execution of their T20 formula.
- South Africa’s gamble with team combinations and experimental batting order seemed mistimed ahead of the final.
- Reeza Hendricks played a lone hand but got no support from the rest.
Post-Match Reactions
Tim Seifert: “Wasn’t the easiest surface early on, so I took my time. Once settled, I knew I could finish it.”
Mitchell Santner: “The bowling unit clicked. The idea was to bowl back-of-a-length and vary pace. It worked well.”
Rassie van der Dussen (SA Captain): “Disappointed. We lacked intent in both innings. But we’ll regroup for the final.”
What’s Next?
- Final Match: South Africa vs New Zealand
- Date: July 26, 2025
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
Can South Africa turn the tables in the final? Or will New Zealand complete a clean sweep in the tri-series?
Key Stats
- NZ’s chase of 135 is the second-fastest successful chase in the series so far.
- Tim Seifert now leads the tournament with 164 runs in 3 innings.
- SA’s powerplay economy rate in this match: 5.1 RPO (lowest of the series).
Social Media Buzz
“Tim Seifert is the silent assassin of T20s—clean, calm, and clutch!” — @CricketChatter
“SA must go back to basics. Too many experiments too close to the final.” — @ProteaPulse
FOR MORE BLOGS – sportstar.thehindu.com
Author: Team BTP
Add to favorites
