“New Zealand Crush Zimbabwe by 60 Runs to Continue Unbeaten Run in T20 Tri-Series”:
Harare, July 24, 2025 –New Zealand defeats Zimbabwe
New Zealand continued their dominant form in the ongoing T20 Tri-Nation Series by thrashing hosts Zimbabwe by 60 runs on Thursday, maintaining their flawless record in the tournament.
Led by brilliant knocks from Tim Seifert, who smashed his second consecutive half-century (75 runs), and Rachin Ravindra, who lit up the field with a thrilling 63 off just “Balls, New Zealand posted the tournament’s highest total so far – 190 for 6 in their 20 overs.”
New Zealand defeats Zimbabwe
Despite having already secured their spot in the final against South Africa, the Kiwis showed no signs of complacency.
On a tricky pitch, Mitchell Santner became the first captain in the series to opt to bat first after winning the toss – a move that paid off handsomely.
New Zealand defeats Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Falter in the Chase
.Zimbabwe’s chase of 191 fell flat as they struggled to build any rhythm, collapsing for 130 in 18.5 overs. Ish Sodhi starred with the ball for New Zealand, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 for 12 in his quota of four overs.
Sodhi, who was one of four changes in the Kiwi squad for the match, spun a web around the Zimbabwean batters and reached a personal milestone by claiming his 150th T20I wicket.
Zimbabwe, who lost all four of their league matches, struggled right from the start.
Key Moments in the Match
Tim Robinson failed to capitalize on a dropped catch early in his innings and was dismissed for 10 by Zimbabwe’s best bowler Richard Ngarava, who ended with 4 for 34.
Zimbabwe’s fielding let them down again as Tony Munyonga dropped Seifert at deep backward square leg when he was on 13 – a costly miss.
Seifert and Ravindra then built a solid 108-run partnership for the second wicket before Zimbabwe clawed back.
Tinotenda Maposa took two key wickets — Ravindra and Mark Chapman — within three deliveries, while Ngarava returned to remove three more in his final spell, including Seifert, who edged a slower delivery to wicketkeeper Clive Madande.
Munyonga made up slightly for his earlier drop by grabbing a sharp catch at backward point to dismiss Bevan Jacobs.
Michael Bracewell added some late fireworks, scoring 26 off 16 balls, while Zimbabwe’s Trevor Gwandu conceded 21 runs in the final over, finishing with 0 for 51.
“Selection Headache Is a Good Problem to Have”: Santner
Speaking after the game, Santner acknowledged the team’s depth:
“It’s great to see different players stepping up at different times. It can make selection tough, but that’s a good problem to have. We know we’ve got a big match coming up in the final,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Top Order Crumbles
Opener Dion Myers gave Zimbabwe a brisk start with four boundaries in his 22-run knock. But their innings quickly unraveled:
Sodhi struck thrice inside the powerplay, removing Myers, Madande, and Brian Bennett (who failed in an aggressive attempt to clear extra cover).
Bracewell joined the act by dismissing Ryan Burl with a smart return catch, reducing Zimbabwe to 44 for 5.
Munyonga (40 off 30) and Tashinga Musekiwa (21) put on a 51-run stand to add some respectability to the score.
However, Sodhi returned in the 14th over to claim Munyonga’s wicket at long-off, wrapping up Zimbabwe’s resistance.
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What’s Next?
With both New Zealand and South Africa already securing their places in the final, Saturday’s showdown promises to be a high-stakes battle for the Tri-Series crown.
—https://indianextheadlines.com
Match Summary: https://m.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/116894/zim-vs-nz-6th-match-zimbabwe-t20i-tri-series-2025
New Zealand piled up 190 for 6 in their 20 overs, powered by Tim Seifert’s explosive 75 and Rachin Ravindra’s stylish 63, while Richard Ngarava impressed for Zimbabwe with figures of 4 for 34.
Zimbabwe: 130 all out in 18.5 overs (Munyonga 40; Sodhi 4/12)New Zealand defeats Zimbabwe
Result: New Zealand won by 60 runs
Player of the Match: Tim Seifert
Stay tuned for the grand finale this Saturday, where New Zealand will aim to lift the trophy and complete their unbeaten run.
https://m.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/116894/zim-vs-nz-6th-match-zimbabwe-t20i-tri-series-2025
