New Zealand continued their unbeaten run in the ongoing tri-series as they defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the fifth match at Harare Sports Club. Tim Seifert was the star of the game with a match-winning knock that earned him the Player of the Match award.
After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bowl first. The Kiwi bowlers backed that decision with a solid performance, keeping South Africa under pressure throughout their innings.
The Proteas had a shaky start. Their captain Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed early for just 14 runs. The rest of the top order also struggled to build any momentum. South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Reeza Hendricks was the top scorer for South Africa. He made 41 runs from 37 balls, hitting four fours and one six. But he lacked support from the other end. In the final few overs, George Linde gave South Africa a small boost with an unbeaten 23 off just 15 balls. His knock included a boundary and a six.
Despite the late push, South Africa could only post 134/8 in their 20 overs. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, and captain Santner all took two wickets each.
Chasing 135 to win, New Zealand got off to a strong start. Openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway put on 51 runs for the first wicket. Conway was the first to fall while Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman soon followed.
However, Seifert remained steady at the other end. He found a reliable partner in Daryl Mitchell, and the duo took New Zealand home with ease. Mitchell played a supporting role and stayed unbeaten on 20 runs from 15 balls.
Seifert was the main architect of the chase. He remained not out on 66 off 48 balls, striking at a rate of 137.50. New Zealand reached the target with 25 balls to spare, finishing at 135/3.
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