Exciting Clash Ahead: New Zealand vs South Africa in T20I Tri-Series 2025
Match Overview
The second match of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 is set to feature New Zealand taking on South Africa at the Harare Sports Club on July 16, 2025. The game is scheduled to start at 04:30 PM IST. Both teams are eager to secure crucial points in this competitive tri-series, with South Africa aiming for another win and New Zealand looking to start their campaign on a positive note.
South Africa's Strong Start
South Africa enters this match with momentum after a solid victory against Zimbabwe in the opening game. Emerging talents Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann played pivotal roles, with Hermann scoring 45 runs and Brevis contributing a quick 41 runs off just 17 balls. On the bowling front, George Linde was impressive, taking three wickets, and the Proteas will look to build on this performance against a formidable New Zealand side.
New Zealand's Campaign Kickoff
Ranked fourth in the ICC Men's T20I standings, New Zealand will launch their Tri-Series journey with this match. Captain Mitchell Santner is expected to rely on the experience of Devon Conway, who steps in as an injury replacement for Finn Allen, alongside promising young talent Bevon Jacobs. Their bowling lineup, featuring Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes, offers depth and variety. A win in this match is crucial for setting the tone for their tournament.
Pitch Conditions
The pitch at Harare Sports Club is known to be on the slower side, which may favor pacers with the new ball. However, batsmen are likely to find scoring opportunities once they navigate the initial overs.
Weather Forecast
The weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. While some cloud cover may appear in the latter part of the match, it is not anticipated to disrupt play.
Head-to-Head Record
| SA vs NZ head-to-head (in T20Is) | |
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Won by South Africa | 11 |
| Won by New Zealand | 4 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
Predicted Lineups
- South Africa: 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
- New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius | SA: Despite a duck in his T20I debut, Pretorius has a strong T20 record, scoring 1021 runs at a strike rate of 146.27 in 38 matches. He is expected to perform well against New Zealand.
- Devon Conway | NZ: With 1408 runs at an average of 38.05 in 46 T20I innings, Conway has been consistent and is likely to continue his form in this match.
Top Batters
- Rassie van der Dussen | SA: The Proteas captain has had mixed performances recently but is capable of turning the game around. His inclusion could enhance your fantasy team's chances.
- Rachin Ravindra | NZ: Although his T20I stats show 309 runs at an average of 17.16, his recent form in MLC suggests he can score quickly for his national side.
Top All-Rounders
- Corbin Bosch | SA: Bosch made his T20I debut recently, scoring 23 runs and bowling four overs. With a T20 record of 733 runs and 60 wickets, he is a valuable asset for fantasy teams.
- Michael Bracewell | NZ: Known for his quick scoring and wicket-taking ability, Bracewell has 341 runs and 28 wickets in 32 T20Is, making him a strong pick for this match.
Top Bowlers
- Lungi Ngidi | SA: A proven wicket-taker with 64 wickets in 44 T20I innings, Ngidi is a must-have in your fantasy lineup.
- Matt Henry | NZ: With 27 wickets in 20 T20I innings, Henry's precision makes him an essential player for fantasy teams.