Harare, July 26, 2025: Veteran pacer Matt Henry held his nerve in a nail-biting final over, defending seven runs to guide New Zealand to a thrilling three-run victory over South Africa and secure the T20I tri-series title at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 181, South Africa finished at 177/6 in 20 overs, despite a solid opening stand and a late blitz from Dewald Brevis.
The Proteas got off to a blazing start, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks adding 92 runs in the first 10 overs. Pretorius top-scored with a composed 51 off 35 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), while Hendricks chipped in with 37 off 31 including four sixes.
New Zealand broke the momentum in the 10th over when Michael Bracewell dismissed Pretorius, followed by a crucial strike from Zakary Foulkes, who removed Hendricks in the 13th. The Proteas soon found themselves struggling at 131/4, needing 50 runs off the last 29 balls.
Dewald Brevis kept the chase alive with a blistering 31 off 16 (1 four, 3 sixes), reducing the target to 7 runs off the final over. However, Matt Henry delivered under pressure—dismissing Brevis early in the over and conceding just three more runs while also removing George Linde. With four needed off the last ball, Henry’s clever slower delivery outfoxed Senuran Muthusamy, sealing a dramatic win for the Kiwis.
Henry’s superb spell of 2/19 in 4 overs earned him the Player of the Match award. He was well supported by Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Foulkes, and Bracewell, who claimed a wicket each.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, New Zealand posted 180/5, thanks to strong top-order contributions. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra led the charge with identical scores of 47 while Tim Seifert adding a brisk 30 off 28 balls. Finishing touches came from Daryl Mitchell (16) and Michael Bracewell (15).
For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with 2/30, while Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, and Senuran Muthusamy claimed a wicket each.
With the win, New Zealand emerged as the champions of the Zimbabwe-hosted T20I tri-series, capping off a campaign marked by composure under pressure and all-round performances.
