The tri-nation T20I series involving Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand has seen a dramatic end. The series was being played in Harare, Zimbabwe, from July 14th.
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New Zealand has emerged victorious in the Zimbabwe Tri-nation series, clinching the nerve-racking finals against South Africa. The Blackcaps defeated the Proteas by 3 runs in a thrilling final, which had everyone on the edge of their seats.
South Africa chokes again, loses Tri-nation final to New Zealand
Chasing 181, South Africa were cruising at one stage at 131/2 in 15 overs. However, what followed was a shocking collapse as they lost 4 wickets for just 45 runs.
Openers Lhuan-dre Pretorious and Reeza Hendricks got their side off to a fantastic start with a 92-run stand. Dewald Brevis continued his good run of form lower down the order, scoring 31 off just 16 balls; however, he failed to take his side over the line in the last over.
With South Africa just needing 7 off the last over, New Zealand held their nerves under pressure and came back strongly in the game, clinching the final by 3 runs. Matt Henry, the Kiwi pacer, bowled the exceptional final over, conceding just 3 runs.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 180 in their 20 overs, on the back of some wonderful batting from Tim Seifert (30 off 28), Devon Conway (47 off 31), and Rachin Ravindra (47 off 27). Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas, with figures of 2/24 in 4 overs.
The series was thoroughly dominated by New Zealand, which did not lose even a single game. The Blackcaps stamped their authority even against South Africa, beating them thrice in the competition.
Match Summary:
New Zealand - 180/5 (20 overs)
- Rachin Ravindra - 47
- Devon Conway - 47
- Lungi Ngidi - 2/24
South Africa - 177/6 (20 overs)
- Lhuan-dre Pretorious -51
- Reeza Hendrciks - 37
- Dewald Brevis - 31
- Matt Henry - 2/19