• New Zealand defeated South Africa by 21 runs at the Harare Sports Club in a gripping second match of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series.

  • Despite late resistance from Dewald Brevis, South Africa were bowled out for 152 in 18.2 overs, falling well short of the target.

Fans react after Dewald Brevis’ fighting knock goes in vain as New Zealand beat South Africa in Zimbabwe T20I tri-series
Dewald Brevis (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

In a gripping second match of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 21 runs at the Harare Sports Club. Batting first, the Kiwis posted a competitive 173/5, anchored by a composed and match-winning unbeaten 75 from Tim Robinson. The South African chase started brightly but quickly unraveled under scoreboard pressure and incisive bowling from Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, who claimed three wickets apiece. Despite late resistance from Dewald Brevis and George Linde, South Africa were bowled out for 152 in 18.2 overs, falling well short of the target.

Tim Robinson’s anchoring knock lifts New Zealand to a defendable total

New Zealand’s innings was steered by Robinson’s unbeaten 75 off 57 balls, an innings laced with six boundaries and three sixes. Despite early blows that saw Devon Conway and Tim Seifert dismissed within the Powerplay, Robinson remained unshaken at one end. Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham fell cheaply, putting added pressure on the young right-hander, but Robinson found a strong ally in debutant Bevon Jacobs. The pair shared an unbeaten 103-run stand off just 71 balls, with Jacobs playing fluently for his 44 not out off 30 balls, showcasing clean hitting with three sixes. South Africa’s bowlers, though aggressive early, failed to contain in the death overs, especially Khwena Maphaka and Gerald Coetzee, who were expensive. Senuran Muthusamy was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 1/19, controlling the middle overs smartly, but New Zealand’s final surge lifted them to 173, a total that looked slightly above par on a wearing surface.

Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy rip through South Africa despite Dewald Brevis’ spark

Chasing 174, South Africa started well with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks adding quick runs, but a flurry of wickets soon derailed the innings. Matt Henry removed Pretorius and later returned to dismiss both Brevis and Coetzee, ending with 3/34. Jacob Duffy’s impact was immense too, as he accounted for Hermann, Linde, and Maphaka, finishing with economical figures of 3/20.

Brevis provided a brief scare with a blistering 35 off 18 balls, including three towering sixes, while Linde chipped in with 30 off 20 to keep hopes alive. However, once the duo perished, South Africa’s tail collapsed swiftly. Ish Sodhi chipped in with two wickets, including the vital scalp of Muthusamy, and captain Mitchell Santner’s tidy spell choked the scoring. Ultimately, South Africa’s lack of partnerships in the middle overs and inability to combat the Kiwi variations cost them the game, handing New Zealand a convincing 21-run victory and early momentum in the tri-series.

Also READ: Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series 2025 – Broadcast, Live Streaming details | When and where to watch in India, USA, New Zealand, South Africa & other countries

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025: Harare Sports Club Pitch Report, T20 Stats and Records

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Dewald Brevis Featured New Zealand South Africa T20I Twitter Reactions

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.