New Zealand made it two wins from two in the Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series, defeating hosts Zimbabwe by eight wickets at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, July 18, in the series’ third T20I. Following their 21-run victory over South Africa, the Kiwis looked in top form once more, comfortably chasing down a 121-run goal with 37 balls remaining.
New Zealand made four changes to their starting lineup after defeating the Proteas, bringing back Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, and Adam Milne, all of whom had appeared in the MLC final. Despite losing the tournament opener, Zimbabwe made only one change: Tinotenda Maposa replaced Wellington Masakadza. Notably, the BlackCaps, who had won the previous six T20Is against Zimbabwe, added another victory to their record.
Mitchell Santner asked the hosts to bat first, but they failed to take advantage of the opportunity to post a large score. Opener Wessly Madhevere led the way with 36 points off 32 shots, while Brian Bennett added 21. However, the remainder of the lineup struggled to contribute. Matt Henry was the main wrecker with the ball, finishing with numbers of 3/26, while Santner, Ravindra, Bracewell, and Milne each took one wicket. Zimbabwe scored just 120/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply, New Zealand lost Tim Seifert early, but Devon Conway and Ravindra steadied the ship with a 59-run stand for the second wicket.
Ravindra smashed 30 off just 19 balls before falling to Maposa. Conway went on to score an unbeaten 59 off 40 deliveries, lacing his knock with four boundaries and two sixes.
Daryl Mitchell played a quickfire knock of 26* off 19 balls as New Zealand reached 122/2 in just 13.5 overs, registering their second win of the series and holding the pole position in the tally.
India
