New Zealand edged out South Africa by a slender margin of three runs to win the thrilling ultimate of the T20I Tri-Collection in Harare, Zimbabwe. In a match that went right down to the wire, the Kiwis held their nerve, largely because of an outstanding final over bowled by Matt Henry and two unimaginable stress catches from Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell.
With simply 6 runs to defend within the ultimate over, Henry produced a sensational spell of bowling, backed by electrical fielding that turned the tide in New Zealand’s favour. South Africa, needing 4 runs off the final supply to grab victory, fell quick as Senuran Muthusamy swung and missed, handing the Kiwis the title in dramatic trend.
Matt Henry delivers underneath stress
The ultimate over started with Dewald Brevis on the crease, and Matt Henry holding the ball. The equation: 6 to win from 6 balls. Henry began robust with a dot ball — a pointy quick supply that beat Brevis exterior off.
On the second ball, Henry struck an enormous blow. Brevis tried a pull shot, however did not clear the ropes. Bracewell, stationed at deep mid-wicket, displayed extraordinary consciousness. Balancing on the sting of the boundary, he took the catch, flicked the ball in as he stepped out, after which re-entered the sector to finish the dismissal — a second of brilliance underneath stress.
Michael Bracewell almost repeats the feat
The third supply noticed Corbin Bosch pull one within the air, as soon as once more towards Bracewell. The solar might need performed spoilsport, as regardless of getting each palms to the ball in a ahead dive, he couldn’t maintain on.
On the fourth ball, Bosch and George Linde tried to steal a double, however Linde slipped whereas turning again for the second. The ball went to deep square-leg, leading to only a single.
Additionally READ: NZ vs SA: Fans roar in admiration as Matt Henry delivers sensational last over to seal Zimbabwe T20I tri-series title for New Zealand
Daryl Mitchell magic steals the highlight
With two balls to go and the stress mounting, Linde went for an enormous shot off a slower supply. It seemed destined for a secure touchdown, however Daryl Mitchell had different concepts. Sprinting throughout from long-on, he launched himself within the air and accomplished a jaw-dropping diving catch — one which broke South African hearts.
Last supply drama
With 4 wanted off the ultimate ball, Senuran Muthusamy confronted the most important ball of the match. Henry delivered a intelligent slower quick ball exterior off, and Muthusamy failed to attach. Tim Seifert collected cleanly behind the stumps, and the Kiwi camp erupted in celebration.
Henry, who not solely bowled a implausible ultimate over but additionally delivered constantly all through the event, was named each Participant of the Match and Participant of the Collection.
Right here’s the video:
Catches win matches, they mentioned, very effectively mentioned 👏
The Proteas have been knocking on the door of a win within the ultimate, however the Kiwis snatched it from them courtesy some good fielding 🏆#NZvSA #T20ITriSeries pic.twitter.com/pDjxJ9qpxV
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 26, 2025
Abstract:
- New Zealand: 180/5 (20 overs)
- South Africa: 177/6 (20 overs)
- End result: New Zealand received by 3 runs
- Participant of the Match: Matt Henry
- Participant of the Collection: Matt Henry
Additionally WATCH: Ish Sodhi wrecks havoc with a brilliant 4-wicket haul in the ZIM vs NZ clash
