New Zealand to Face South Africa in T20I Tri-Series Final on Saturday

HARARE: A combined effort from the bowlers, highlighted by an impressive unbeaten half-century by Tim Seifert, propelled New Zealand to a decisive seven-wicket triumph over South Africa in the fifth match of the T20I tri-series, held at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.

In what served as a prelude to their tri-series final showdown, New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, elected to field first after winning the toss against South Africa.

The South African team managed to post a score of 134/8 in their allotted 20 overs, with Reeza Hendricks contributing a solid 41 runs.

Hendricks, the right-handed opener, was the mainstay of the South African innings, eventually departing in the 17th over after a top score of 41 off 37 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

He also forged a resilient 30-run partnership for the seventh wicket alongside George Linde, the all-rounder, who remained undefeated with 23 runs from 15 deliveries.

For New Zealand, Captain Santner, Adam Milne, and Jacob Duffy each secured two wickets, while Will O’Rourke contributed with one.

In pursuit of a target of 135 runs, New Zealand reached the required score with three wickets down and 25 balls remaining, largely due to Seifert’s unbeaten half-century.

Seifert, the right-handed opener, guided New Zealand’s chase, scoring an unbeaten 66 off 48 deliveries, decorated with six fours and two sixes.

He formed crucial partnerships with Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, who contributed 19 and 20 not out, respectively.

Senuran Muthusamy stood out as South Africa’s most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 24 runs in his spell of four overs, while Andile Simelane took one wicket.

This victory solidified New Zealand’s position at the summit of the T20I tri-series standings with six points from three games, while South Africa concluded their matches in second place with four points from four games.

Both New Zealand and South Africa have secured their places in the final, which is scheduled to take place at the same venue on July 26.

Prior to the final match, New Zealand is scheduled to play against Zimbabwe, the host nation, in their final league-stage match on Thursday.