Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025: Tim Seifert Power New Zealand to Commanding Win Over South Africa

At the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, New Zealand showed off their strength by crushing South Africa by 7 wickets in Match 5 of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025. The Black Caps' victory not only kept them undefeated but also made it clear that they are here to play cricket without fear.

Mitchell Santner was not hesitant to choose to bowl first after winning the toss. The New Zealand seamers took advantage of the abundance of movement available to them. In the third over, Rassie van der Dussen, who had taken Lhuan-dre Pretorius' spot as the batting opener, threw away his wicket.

Rubin Hermann and Reeza Hendricks only managed 20 runs off 27 balls as they were unable to cope with the favourable bowling conditions. South Africa fell to 57/4 in the eleventh over after being 34/1 in the seventh. Hendricks played 37 deliveries before being removed for 41.

Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 Highlights:

Three wins on the trot! Tim Seifert’s 66* propelled New Zealand to a 7-wicket victory over the Proteas.

Catch up on the scorecard at https://t.co/3YsfR1Y3Sm & the NZC App 📲 Highlights will be available on @ThreeNewZealand 📺 #SAvNZ#CricketNationpic.twitter.com/gOpDOz0C23

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 22, 2025

Tim Seifert was the one who started the fire, and New Zealand emerged determined to chase 135. As he hammered 66* off 48 balls with six boundaries and a few biggies, the wicketkeeper-batter was in fantastic form. While others played around him, he was the ideal anchor for the chase.

Conway got off to a fast start but fell for 19. It didn't matter that Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra didn't last long. To make sure the chase was over with 25 balls remaining, Daryl Mitchell came in and produced a useful cameo of 20 not out off 15 balls. The bowlers from South Africa appeared flat. Even the typically dependable Linde was unable to apply any brakes after Coetzee spilt 37 in his three. With 2/24 in his four overs, Senuran Muthusamy was the best bowler for South Africa.

This was a decisive victory for New Zealand, which had already defeated the opponents twice in the series and will face them again in the final. They will have the mental edge and, more significantly, the momentum. It's time for South Africa to start over. Since this Kiwi unit isn't going to slow down anytime soon, they will need to devise new strategies and give it their all in the final.

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