Matt Henry's Heroics Lead New Zealand to T20 Tri-Series Victory Over South Africa

In a nail-biting finish, New Zealand clinched the T20 Tri-Series trophy with a narrow victory over South Africa, thanks to Matt Henry's outstanding final over. With South Africa needing just seven runs, Henry's composure under pressure proved decisive as he dismissed key batsmen Dewald Brevis and George Linde. Despite a strong start from South Africa, they fell short, finishing at 177/6. This thrilling match showcased the intensity of T20 cricket and highlighted Henry's pivotal role in securing the win for the Black Caps.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2025, 01:50 IST

New Zealand Clinches T20 Tri-Series Title

In a thrilling conclusion, Matt Henry emerged as the standout performer for New Zealand, executing a remarkable final over that secured the T20 Tri-Series trophy in Harare. The Black Caps triumphed over South Africa by a narrow margin of just three runs.

With South Africa needing only seven runs in the last over, the situation appeared favorable for them, particularly with the explosive Dewald Brevis still batting. However, Henry maintained his composure and struck on the second ball, dismissing Brevis, who had already hit three sixes and a boundary in a blistering 16-ball innings of 31. He followed up by taking out George Linde (10) on the fifth delivery, effectively sealing the victory for New Zealand.

Henry allowed only three runs in that decisive over, finishing with impressive bowling figures of 2/19 across three overs, which proved crucial for the Kiwis.

Chasing a target of 181, South Africa appeared to be in control for much of the match. Their opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius scoring 51 runs before being dismissed at 92/1 in 9.4 overs.

Reeza Hendricks played a vital role, contributing a steady 37 runs off 31 balls, but South Africa soon found themselves in a precarious position at 116/2.

After reaching 131/2, they lost two quick wickets, slipping to 131/4, which opened the door for a New Zealand resurgence.

The momentum shifted dramatically, and despite some late fireworks from Brevis, South Africa fell just short, finishing at 177/6, thus handing New Zealand a thrilling victory.

While Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Adam Milne, and Michael Bracewell each contributed with a wicket, it was Matt Henry's final over that truly turned the tide and secured the trophy for New Zealand.

Earlier in the match, South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. New Zealand started steadily with an opening partnership of 75 runs before Tim Seifert was dismissed for 30.

The middle order was anchored by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, both scoring crucial 47 runs, which helped the Kiwis set a competitive total of 180/5.

Lungi Ngidi was South Africa's standout bowler, delivering a disciplined performance with figures of 2/24 in four overs.