Tim Robinson stars as New Zealand start T20I tri-series with win against South Africa

From a rough start, New Zealand managed a solid win in their first outing in the T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe, as they defeated South Africa by 21 runs to earn two points.

After South Africa chose to field first, New Zealand scored 173/5 in 20 overs. In reply, Proteas were all out for 152 runs, as the Blackcaps recorded their second successful defending against South Africa in T20I cricket.

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Tim Robinson and Bevan Jacobs set a record partnership after early falls

Although the New Zealand opener Tim Seifert had a good start, once he was dismissed for 22 runs off 16 balls (four fours) in the third over, the Blackcaps batting faced heat from the Proteas bowling line-up. New Zealand were down to 70/5 before the completion of the 10th over, as all four other batters failed to reach double-digit scores.

However, Tim Robinson and the T20I debutant Bevon Jacobs controlled the second half of the innings strongly, as they set up the second-highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20I history with 103 runs for the unbroken sixth wicket. The record partnership for the sixth wicket is also with New Zealand's name, as Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell set up the 105-run partnership against Sri Lanka during the 2024 Mount Maunganui T20I. 

Robinson recorded his second T20I half-century in 42 balls and scored 75 not out off 57 balls with six fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, the T20I debutant Jacobs scored 44 not out off 30 balls with one four and three sixes. Among South African bowlers, only Kwena Mphaka managed more than one wicket (2/38) in that innings. 

South Africa were never strong at chasing

In reply, South Africa were battling at 50/2 at the end of the powerplay, and soon down to 62/5 in the ninth over. Dewald Brevis once again shone with his bat, while George Linde also produced a fightback. With the help of one four and three sixes, Brevis scored 35 off 18 balls. In the meantime, Linde scored 30 off 20 balls with one four and two sixes. Finally, Gerald Coetzee's 17 runs weren't enough for the Proteas. 

Among the New Zealand bowlers, Matt Henry (3/34) and Jacob Duffy (3/20) both picked up two wickets each. Also, Ish Sodhi took two wickets (2/34) and captain Mitchell Santner had a wicket (1/35).