Out of the limelight, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry delivered a brilliant over, defending 7 runs in the very last over of the match against South Africa in the final of the Tri-Nation series in Zimbabwe. While most of the focus was on Old Trafford, Manchester, where India and England were engaged in a tough battle, New Zealand was up against New Zealand in the final of the T20I Tri-Nation series hosted by Zimbabwe.

Batting first, New Zealand put 180 runs on the scoreboard, an appropriate total to put up a sustainable fight. Throughout the series, NZ was in phenomenal form, and the other finalists, South Africa, had to taste defeat against them. For valid reasons, the Blackcaps started the game as the favorite to win.

South Africa's opening pair intensified the game from the beginning of the second innings. But the main part of the final was yet to arrive, which was the last over, where Mat Henry's clinical bowling and a couple of mind-blowing catches decided the destiny of the contest. SA needed only 7 runs in that over to win the final. Well-recognized T20 batters like Dewald Brevis and Corbin Bosch were on the crease.

Matt Henry Last over pic.twitter.com/LCXdrNIqH6

— H U S Nain (@H11USNAIN) July 26, 2025

Read More: Captains with century and 5-wicket haul in same Test match ft Ben Stokes

Thus, New Zealand won the final vs South Africa 

Henry started off the over with a surprising short delivery, which resulted in a dot ball. South Africa then had to score 7 off 5. In the next delivery, Michael Bracewell pulled out a stunning catch by using his presence of mind, right on the edge of the boundary rope. Brevis had to depart. In the next couple of deliveries, SA snatched 3 more runs and kept their hopes alive until Daryl Mitchell, inches away from the boundary line, took a running athletic catch to dismiss George Linde.

A big shot in the final delivery could save the match for South Africa. But, under pressure, it was only a dot ball from Matt Henry. New Zealand won the series; heartbroken for South Africa. 

NZ vs SA Match Preview

New Zealand will face South Africa in the final match of the Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series on Saturday in Harare. The Kiwis are unbeaten in the first round and will be confident in their ability to win the match. South Africa is a strong T20 side that will put up a fight, but based on recent results, New Zealand has the advantage heading into the final.New Zealand will face South Africa in the final match of the Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series on Saturday in Harare. The Kiwis are unbeaten in the first round and will be confident in their ability to win the match. South Africa is a strong T20 side that will put up a fight, but based on recent results, New Zealand has the advantage heading into the final.

NZ vs SA Match Details

New Zealand vs South Africa – Final Match, New Zealand T20I Tri-Series, 2025

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date & Time: 26th July 2025 at 04:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SA Venue Stats 

NZ vs SA Pitch Report

It is an ideal bowling pitch. It is a haven for both batters and bowlers because it provides balance throughout all innings.

NZ vs SA Weather Report

The weather in Derby is expected to remain cloudy on match day, with conditions ranging from 9 to 22 degrees Celsius 

NZ vs SA Last Five Matches

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Malaysia T10 2025: JBK vs SWC Dream11 Prediction 06th Match

NZ vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Adam Milne, William O’Rourke/ Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tim Seifert – Tim Seifert was their most consistent hitter, scoring 166 runs in four innings with an average of 55.33 and a strikeout rate of 145.61. 
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry has been the most successful of the bowlers, picking up eight wickets in three matches while maintaining his economy at 8.84.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Rubin Hermann – Rubin Hermann has scored the majority of the runs, with 119 in four innings at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 132.22.
• Lungi Ngidi –  Lungi Ngidi has 21 wickets in the last nine T20Is at an economy rate of six.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SA Dream11 Team:

Rubin Hermann, Tim Seifert, Rassie van der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Rachin Ravindra(C), George Linde(VC), Senuran Muthusamy, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Gerald Coetzee, Matt Henry

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – George Linde, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Rassie van der Dussen, Tim Seifert 

Wicketkeeper – Tim Seifert

NZ vs SA Probable Winners:

So far, New Zealand has gone unbeaten in this tri-series, and they appear to be the tournament's most complete team. South Africa performed well against Zimbabwe but struggled to keep up with New Zealand in both games. The Proteas' batting lineup appears strong, but their bowling inexperience may cost them again in the final. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

New Zealand won all their matches and currently lead the points table with eight points. On the other hand, South Africa have secured two victories and currently hold the second position in the points table with four points.

In their last head-to-head match, New Zealand defeated South Africa by seven wickets, successfully chasing down the target of 135 runs. Tim Seifert was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 66 runs off 48 balls.

NZ vs SA Match Details

Date: July 26th, 2025

Time: 4:30 PM IST

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

ZIM vs NZ Weather Report

Clear weather 

Also Read: ECS T10 Stockholm 2025: MAR vs ALZ Prediction– Match 13, Who will win today?

Top Batters NZ vs SA

• Tim Seifert (NZ) - 166 runs in this series 

• Rubin Harmann (SA) - 119 runs in this series 

• Dewald Brevis (SA) - 102 runs this series 

Top Bowler NZ vs SA

• Matt Henry (NZ) - 6 wickets in this series 

• Jacob Duffy (NZ) - 5 wickets in this series 

• Ish Sodhi (NZ) - 6 wickets in this series 

NZ vs SA Recent Performance

NZ vs SA Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If NZ bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NZ is expected to score 165-175 runs

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 30-45 Runs 

Scenario 2- If SA bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SA is expected to score 135-145 runs.

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 6 wickets 

NZ vs SA Predicted Playing XI

South Africa (SA) Playing XI 

Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan dre Pretorius, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungisani Ngidi, Nandre Burger

New Zealand (NZ) Playing XI

Mitchell Santner (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy

NZ vs SA Complete Squad

New Zealand - 

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

South Africa -

Rassie van der Dussen (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane

NZ vs SA Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

New Zealand To win

We predict that New Zealand will be winning this T20I match. The likes of Matt Henry, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra will be key players to watch out for.

New Zealand won their both matches and currently lead the points table with four points. They won their last match by eight wickets against Zimbabwe, successfully chasing down the target of 121 runs in the 14th overs.

On the other hand, Rassie van der Dussen, and his men performed clinically in the last game against Zimbabwe. The team that had lost the previous game against New Zealand made the necessary corrections to win the last game by 7 wickets. They have a strong batting lineup and will look to leverage it and advance to the next round. 

NZ vs SA Match Details

Date: July 22nd, 2025

Time: 4:30 PM IST

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

NZ vs SA Weather Report

Clear weather 

Also Read: WCL 2025: EDC vs AAC Prediction– Match 3, Who will win today?

Top Batters NZ vs SA

• Rubin Harman (SA) - 109 runs in this series 

• Dewald Brevis (SA) - 89 runs in this series 

• Tim Robinson (NZ) - 75 runs this series 

Top Bowler NZ vs SA

• Matt Henry (NZ) - 6 wickets in this series 

• Jacob Duffy (NZ) - 3 wickets in this series 

• Lungi Ngidi (SA) - 3 wickets in this series 

NZ vs SA Recent Performance

NZ vs SA Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If NZ bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NZ is expected to score 165-175 runs

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 20-25 Runs 

Scenario 2- If SA bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SA is expected to score 140-50 runs.

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 6 wickets 

NZ vs SA Predicted Playing XI

South Africa (SA) Playing XI 

Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Senuran Muthusamy, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy

New Zealand (NZ) Playing XI

Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

NZ vs SA Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

New Zealand To win

We predict that New Zealand will be winning this T20I match. The likes of Matt Henry, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra will be key players to watch out for.

NZ vs SA Match Preview

We are in the fifth game of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025. New Zealand will feel confident going into the game against South Africa. New Zealand beat Zimbabwe, earning a spot in the final. The South Africans also defeated Zimbabwe in their last match, advancing to the final. Prior to the big game, both teams are going to test their strengths. Historically, the two teams have had a close rivalry. South Africa has dominated recent games against New Zealand, winning four of the last six. The conditions in Harare are favorable, and the team will look to take advantage of them. New Zealand defeated South Africa in the previous game and will look to capitalize on that confidence. The two teams are well-matched, so we expect a close contest.

NZ vs SA Match Details

New Zealand vs South Africa – 5th Match, New Zealand T20I Tri-Series, 2025

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date & Time: 22nd July 2025 at 04:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SA Venue Stats 

NZ vs SA Pitch Report

It is an ideal bowling pitch. It is a haven for both batters and bowlers because it provides balance throughout all innings.

NZ vs SA Weather Report

The weather in Derby is expected to remain cloudy on match day, with conditions ranging from 9 to 22 degrees Celsius 

NZ vs SA Last Five Matches

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: PPL 2025: OAW vs MMS Dream11 Prediction 39th Match

NZ vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Rassie van der Dussen (c), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Devon Conway – Devon Conway has played well at the top, and the squad expects him to provide a good start.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry will be confident with his three-wicket haul and must do early damage to put his opponents under pressure.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Rassie van der Dussen – Rassie van der Dussen will be encouraged after his match-winning knock in the previous game, and will look to add runs in the middle order.
• Lungi Ngidi –  Lungi Ngidi has 21 wickets in the last nine T20Is at an economy rate of six.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SA Dream11 Team:

Tim Seifert, Rubin Hermann, Devon Conway, Rassie van der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Rachin Ravindra(C), George Linde(VC), Corbin Bosch, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Nandre Burger

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – George Linde, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – George Linde, Devon Conway 

Wicketkeeper – Devon Conway

NZ vs SA Probable Winners:

New Zealand has not lost a game in the event, which will boost their confidence. However, the team does not have a good record versus the South Africans. To win, their bowling attack must put forth a strong performance. The South Africans have a powerful batting lineup and a bowling attack that is ideal for these conditions. We expect a close contest, but the South Africans possess a slight advantage. Considering the team combination, South Africa is expected to win this match.

New Zealand continues their domination in the ongoing Tri-Nation T20I series, remaining as the only unbeaten team in the contest. They are on the verge of sneaking into the final stage of the series. Tomorrow (July 22, 2025), they will face South Africa (NZ vs SA) in the second leg of the series. In the first phase, NZ were victorious against the Proteans; Mitchell Santner and his boys defeated SA by 21 runs. After losing against New Zealand, South Africa got back their momentum in their previous match against the host nation, Zimbabwe. SA won the match by 7 wickets.

Now, in the upcoming fixture, New Zealand and South Africa, both teams, will step into Harare Sports Club's field with the hope to maintain the motion. Whenever these two teams confronted each other in recent times, it resulted in an intense battle where SA gained slightly better numbers than the Blackcaps.

NZ vs SA T20I Tri-Nation, Match 5 details:

ZIM vs SA T20I Tri-Nation, Match 5 Live Streaming: The match will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website in India.

Match: Match 5

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date and Time: Sunday, 20th July, 16:30

Series: T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe, 2025

Read More: BAN vs PAK 2nd T20I: Live Streaming, Squads and Match Details

The Squads

New Zealand: Mitch Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (wk).

South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Simelane, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka.

With five international teams scheduled to tour the nation in various formats, New Zealand Cricket has formally announced an exciting 2025–26 home season. With a 46-day cricket schedule that includes T20 thrillers, ODI rivalries, and a coveted three-match Test series against the West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will all be represented. As the White Ferns get ready for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, the season also features important games for them.

Black Caps fans can look forward to high-voltage contests starting with the T20I series against Australia in early October, followed by a white-ball series against England and a full multi-format tour by the West Indies. A five-match T20I series against South Africa in March 2026, staged as double-headers alongside the women’s team, rounds out a dynamic men’s season.

For the White Ferns, the historic first-ever series against Zimbabwe and a crucial series against South Africa make this one of the most exciting home summers in recent memory. Here is the full match schedule.

New Zealand Men’s Schedule 2025–26

vs Australia – T20I Series

vs England – T20I and ODI Series

vs West Indies – T20Is, ODIs and Tests

vs South Africa – T20I Series (Double-Headers with Women)

New Zealand Women’s Schedule 2025–26

vs Zimbabwe – T20I and ODI Series

vs South Africa – ODI Series

A Big Summer of Cricket Ahead for New Zealand

There's something for every fan this summer: historic rivalries, new encounters, high-pressure Test cricket, and increased attention on women's cricket. Having double-headers with the women's and men's teams is a big move towards inclusivity and entertainment.

With the T20 World Cup and Women's World Cup on the horizon, this summer is not only about home cricket but also making a statement for international competitions. The Black Caps and White Ferns take their turn in the spotlight, and now it's the turn of the supporters all over New Zealand to pack the seats. Watch this space as squads are named and preparation starts for what is going to be an exciting summer of cricket.

New Zealand claimed a big win against South Africa in the second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to reach their third Champions Trophy Final. 

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore hosted the second Semi-final match on Wednesday (March 5), where New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bat first after winning the toss. While New Zealand scored 362/6 in 50 overs, the record total in the tournament history, South Africa replied with 312/9 in 50 overs. 

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored 100s; Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips produced valuable 49s

While the Kiwi opener Will Young scored 21 runs, and he had a 48-run opening partnership with Rachin Ravindra, Ravindra and Kane Williamson set the big total tone with a 164-run partnership for the second wicket. While Ravindra recorded his fifth ODI century in 93 balls, Williamson recorded his 15th ODI century in 91 balls. Ravindra fell after scoring 108 off 101 balls with 13 fours and one six, while Williamson scored 102 off 94 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

In the late moment, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips fired the Proteas bowlers to add significant quick runs. Mitchell and Phillips had a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket in just five overs. While Mitchell scored 49 off 37 balls (four fours and one six), Phillips ended the innings with 49 not out in 27 balls (six fours and one six). 

Among the South African bowlers, Lungi Ngidi (3/72) took three wickets and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) picked up two wickets. However, in the last powerplay, the Proteas bowlers conceded 110 runs.

David Miller's tournament's fastest century record was too late for South Africa

In reply, after the opener Ryan Rickelton (17) lost his wicket early, his opening partner and the captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen set a solid partnership of 105-run for the second wicket. However, their partnership took enough balls as the next dangerous batters couldn't handle the required run rate pressures. Also, Blackcaps spinners simply bowled well to take regular wickets which put the Proteas away from the game.

While Bavuma was dismissed for 56 off 71 balls (four fours and one six), Van de Dussen scored 69 off 66 balls (four fours and two sixes). The next two key batters, Aiden Markram (31) and Heinrich Klaasen (3) failed in the chasing, while David Miller's single-handed battle till the end wasn't enough for the Proteas.

At the end of the 40 overs, South Africa were struggling at 223/8. While there was no hope for the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy champions, Miller still tried his best to take the game as close as possible. After scoring his first 50 runs in 46 balls, the 35-year-old left-handed middle-order batter completed his century in 67 balls, which set a new record for the fastest century in the tournament history. Miller remained not out for 100 off 67 balls (10 fours and four sixes).

New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the Match award for taking one wicket (1/20) and two more catches along with the most valuable century. Captain Mitchell Santner (3/43), Matt Henry (2/43), Glenn Phillips (2/27) and Michael Bracewell (1/53) managed to take important wickets in the match.   

See Also: Will India Take Up The Revenge Of 2000 Champions Trophy Final Loss

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand match in the Final

On Sunday (March 9), India and New Zealand will face each other in the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. 

The second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand vs South Africa, experienced a comfortable win for the Blackcaps, while Proteas batter David Miller's late fun ended with a new record for the fastest century in the history of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (2nd Semi-final): New Zealand set a record total of 362/6

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bat first at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where we have already experienced high-scoring matches in the tournament. With the help of twin centuries by Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102), and late blasts from Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49*), New Zealand set a tournament record total of 362/6 in 50 overs.

It was a very challenging target where the dangerous Proteas batting line-up made the game on with the 105-run second wicket partnership between captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen. But once that partnership was broken, South Africa were losing at regular intervals, where Bavuma scored 56, Van der Dussen scored 66, Aiden Markram scored 31, and Heinrich Klaasen scored only three runs. At the end, David Miller was the lone fighter, while he had no support from the other end.   

See Also: Kane Williamson creates new history for New Zealand

David Miller fought alone in the end and recorded the fastest ICC Champions Trophy century

Although the match was already gone before the beginning of the last powerplay, where South Africa were battling at 223/8 in 40 overs, Miller showed the best fightback despite no hope. The left-handed middle-order batter scored first 50 runs in 46 balls and next 50 runs in just 21 balls. With a double on the final ball of the match, Miller recorded his seventh ODI century which he completed in 67 balls with the help of 10 fours and four sixes. 

Miller broke the joint record of Virender Sehwag and Josh Inglis

Although the match was already gone as South Africa scored 312/9, and New Zealand won the Semi-final by 50 runs, Miller ended the tournament journey with the fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy history. The previous record was the 77-ball century by Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag (vs England at Colombo in 2002) and Australian cricketer Josh Inglis (vs England at Lahore in 2025).

In the second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand scored 362/6 in 50 overs, and it was the record total in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy.

On Wednesday (March 5), New Zealand and South Africa are facing each other in the second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With the help of twin centuries, New Zealand scored 362/6 in 50 overs. It is the new record for the highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history. 

During the group stage match of this tournament between England and Australia in Lahore, England became the first team in the tournament history to score 350+ runs (351/8) after breaking New Zealand's 20-year-old record for the highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history. In that same Group B match between England and Australia, Australia chased down the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets as they scored 356/5. Now, New Zealand have set up a new highest total record in the competition history. 

See Also: Rohit Sharma Becomes The First Captain To Reach The Finals Of All ICC Tournaments

Highest totals in ICC Champions Trophy history

Also, New Zealand's 362/6 became the second highest total in the last four stages (knockout stages) of any ICC ODI tournaments. The record is India's 397/4 against New Zealand in the Semi-final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. 

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored centuries

In the total of 362/6 in 50 overs, opener Rachin Ravindra and former skipper Kane Williamson hit centuries. Ravindra scored 108 off 101 balls with 13 fours and one six and Williamson scored 102 off 94 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. Also, Daryl Mitchell scored 49 off 37 balls (four fours and one six) and Glenn Phillips scored 49 not out off 27 balls with six fours and one six.