By New Zealand wrapped up the group stage of the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Tri-Series in dominant fashion with a 60-run win over Zimbabwe, completing a perfect 4–0 run. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi starred with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for just 12 runs, tearing through Zimbabwe’s middle order and sealing a one-sided finish in Harare.
With this result, Zimbabwe are officially eliminated, finishing the series without a single win, while New Zealand and South Africa will now meet in the final on Saturday, July 26.
Put in to bat, New Zealand piled up a strong 190/6 in 20 overs, powered by an electric 75 off 45 balls by Tim Seifert and a classy 63 off 39 by Rachin Ravindra. The opening duo laid the perfect platform before the middle order faltered slightly. Michael Bracewell’s quick 26* off 16 helped lift the total in the death overs.
🇳🇿 New Zealand Scorecard Highlights:
- Tim Seifert – 75 (45)
- Rachin Ravindra – 63 (39)
- Michael Bracewell – 26* (16)
- Total – 190/6 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe Struggle from the Start
Chasing 191, Zimbabwe never got going. Their top 3 batters were dismissed inside the first 5 overs, and the middle order couldn’t handle the spin threat. Ish Sodhi ripped through the lineup, while Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes also picked timely wickets.
Despite a brief resistance from Tony Munyonga (40 off 30) and Tashinga Musekiwa (21 off 21), Zimbabwe were bowled out for 130 in 18.5 overs.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Batting Collapse:
- Tony Munyonga – 40 (30)
- Tashinga Musekiwa – 21 (21)
- Total – 130 all out (18.5 overs)
Bowling Brilliance from NZ
| Bowler | O | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ish Sodhi | 4 | 12 | 4 | 3.00 |
| Matt Henry | 3 | 34 | 2 | 11.30 |
| Zakary Foulkes | 3.5 | 14 | 1 | 3.70 |
| William O’Rourke | 3 | 19 | 1 | 6.30 |
| Bracewell | 3 | 16 | 1 | 5.30 |
Final Set – New Zealand vs South Africa
With the group stage now concluded, the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Tri-Series will end with a clash between unbeaten New Zealand and second-placed South Africa in the final on Saturday, July 26.
New Zealand, who finished top of the table with 8 points and a +2.200 NRR, will enter the final with high confidence, while South Africa will look to bounce back after two losses.
