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).

SA vs NZ Match Preview

South Africa will take on New Zealand in the 2nd game of the T20I tri-series, which is being hosted in Zimbabwe. The most recent Tri-series took place three years ago. The game is scheduled to be played at Harare Sports Club in Harare on July 16th at 4:30 p.m. South Africa started the series with a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, and New Zealand is playing this T20I after a four-month break.

SA vs NZ Match Details

South Africa vs New Zealand – 2nd Match, Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, 2025

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date & Time: 16th July 2025 at 04:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

SA vs NZ Venue Stats

SA vs NZ Pitch Report

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

SA vs NZ Weather Report

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

SA vs NZ Last Five Matches

SA vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

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SA vs NZ Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Mitchell Santner (c), Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchel, Will O'Rourke, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Mitch Hay, Jimmy Neesham

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

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

Topmost Picks for SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – South Africa

• Reeza Hendricks – Reeza Hendricks has played over 78 T20Is and scored 2282 runs at a strike rate of 132.
• George Linde – George Linde took 3 wickets and ten runs in the first game. He now has eight wickets in his previous 3 T20Is at an economy rate of 5.6.

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tim Seifert – Tim Seifert earned 249 runs in a 5 match series versus Pakistan at a strike rate of over 200.
• Will O'Rourke –  Will O'Rourke has 21 wickets in the last nine T20Is at an economy rate of six.

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

Tim Seifert, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, Rachin Ravindra(C), Rassie van der Dussen, George Linde(VC), Corbin Bosch, Mitchell Bracewell, Will O'Rourke, Matt Henry, Nandre Burger

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rachin Ravindra, Charith Asalanka

Vice-captain – George Linde, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

SA vs NZ Probable Winners:

South Africa will face a difficult task as it plays against a team other than Zimbabwe for the first time. New Zealand has appeared out of touch with the shortest format for the past four months, but all of their players have demonstrated their abilities in various T20 leagues around the world. In terms of batting and bowling, they have a better lineup than South Africa. On the other hand, South Africa's batting lineup is dependent on Dewald Brewis' explosive batting. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.