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New Zealand edged out South Africa by a slender margin of 3 runs to win the thrilling final of the T20I Tri-Series in Harare, Zimbabwe. In a match that went down to the wire, the Kiwis held their nerve, largely thanks to a superb last over bowled by Matt Henry and two incredible pressure catches from Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell.
With just 6 runs to defend in the final over, Henry produced a sensational spell of bowling, backed by electric fielding that turned the tide in New Zealand’s favour. South Africa, needing 4 runs off the last delivery to snatch victory, fell short as Senuran Muthusamy swung and missed, handing the Kiwis the title in dramatic fashion.
Matt Henry delivers under pressure
The final over began with Dewald Brevis at the crease, and Matt Henry holding the ball. The equation: 6 to win from 6 balls. Henry started strong with a dot ball — a sharp short delivery that beat Brevis outside off.
On the second ball, Henry struck a massive blow. Brevis attempted a pull shot, but failed to clear the ropes. Bracewell, stationed at deep mid-wicket, displayed extraordinary awareness. Balancing on the edge of the boundary, he took the catch, flicked the ball in as he stepped out, and then re-entered the field to complete the dismissal — a moment of brilliance under pressure.
Michael Bracewell nearly repeats the feat
The third delivery saw Corbin Bosch pull one in the air, once again toward Bracewell. The sun might have played spoilsport, as despite getting both hands to the ball in a forward dive, he couldn’t hold on.
On the fourth ball, Bosch and George Linde tried to steal a double, but Linde slipped while turning back for the second. The ball went to deep square-leg, resulting in just a single.
Daryl Mitchell magic steals the spotlight
With two balls to go and the pressure mounting, Linde went for a big shot off a slower delivery. It looked destined for a safe landing, but Daryl Mitchell had other ideas. Sprinting across from long-on, he launched himself in the air and completed a jaw-dropping diving catch — one that broke South African hearts.
Final delivery drama
With 4 needed off the final ball, Senuran Muthusamy faced the biggest ball of the match. Henry delivered a clever slower short ball outside off, and Muthusamy failed to connect. Tim Seifert collected cleanly behind the stumps, and the Kiwi camp erupted in celebration.
Henry, who not only bowled a fantastic final over but also delivered consistently throughout the tournament, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
Here’s the video:
Catches win matches, they said, very well said 👏
The Proteas were knocking on the door of a win in the final, but the Kiwis snatched it from them courtesy some brilliant fielding 🏆#NZvSA #T20ITriSeries pic.twitter.com/pDjxJ9qpxV
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 26, 2025
Summary:
- New Zealand: 180/5 (20 overs)
- South Africa: 177/6 (20 overs)
- Result: New Zealand won by 3 runs
- Player of the Match: Matt Henry
- Player of the Series: Matt Henry
Also WATCH: Ish Sodhi wrecks havoc with a brilliant 4-wicket haul in the ZIM vs NZ clash
