New Zealand vs South Africa T20I Match Preview – 5th Match, Zimbabwe TriSeries 2025

Date: 22 July 2025
Time: 12:00 GMT (4:30 PM IST)
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

Match Context & Series Overview

The fifth and final match of the Zimbabwe T20I TriSeries 2025 promises to be a thrilling encounter as New Zealand and South Africa face off in a high-stakes clash. Both teams have already secured their spots in the final, with New Zealand and South Africa each winning two of the five matches thus far.

The Proteas will be eager to avenge their earlier defeat to New Zealand in the series, while the Kiwis will look to maintain their momentum and top the points table in the triseries.

Team News & Player Insights

New Zealand (NZ) – The Favourites

New Zealand has been in excellent form in the competition, with a balanced lineup and a strong all-round unit. Key performers from the previous matches include Devon Conway, who smashed a quickfire half-century, and Jacob Duffy, who picked up crucial wickets with his medium-pace.

The Kiwis’ middle order is bolstered by Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell, providing both batting depth and valuable all-round support. Youngster Bevon Jacobs has also shown great promise on debut.

Predicted Playing XI:
Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry

South Africa (SA) – The Underdogs

South Africa has also been in good form, securing a comfortable win against Zimbabwe and showing glimpses of their potential. Captain Rassie van der Dussen and Rubin Hermann have been instrumental in the middle order, while Dewald Brevis has remained a reliable presence.

However, the Proteas’ top order has been a concern, with openers Reeza Hendricks and Lhuandre Pretorius averaging just 10 runs per innings. Both will need to step up to provide a solid foundation.

South Africa’s pace attack, led by Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Andile Simelane, is formidable, while George Linde and Nqabayomzi Peter provide useful options with the spin.

Predicted Playing XI:
Reeza Hendricks, Lhuandre Pretorius (wk), Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger

Head-to-Head (H2H)

In their T20I encounters, South Africa holds the upper hand with 11 wins out of 16 matches. However, New Zealand has been in excellent form in the current TriSeries and remains the stronger side in recent memory.

Pitch Report & Conditions

The pitch at Harare Sports Club has been a balanced surface, with an average first-innings score hovering around 150-160. The dry surface and lack of grass aid spinners later in the innings, while batters often struggle to accelerate early.

Teams batting second have found it slightly easier to chase, but scores above 170-180 can still prove challenging. A tight chase or a high-scoring affair is on the cards.

Key Players to Watch

New Zealand

• Tim Seifert – The opener has been in good touch and could be the key to a solid start.
• Devon Conway – The star batter will look to dominate again with his aggressive strokeplay.
• Jacob Duffy – The medium pacer is a wicket-taking threat and has already impressed in the series.

South Africa

• Reeza Hendricks – Needs to rediscover form after a poor run with the bat.
• Rassie van der Dussen – The Proteas’ anchor and match-winner in the middle order.
• Lungi Ngidi – South Africa’s premier fast bowler and a key figure in the death overs.

Match Prediction

New Zealand enters as the clear favorites with 1.67 odds on 1xBet, while South Africa is the underdog at 2.25. Based on form, depth, and recent performance, the Kiwis have a 58% win probability, while the Proteas sit at 42%.

The match is expected to be a close contest, but New Zealand’s stronger batting and balanced all-round unit could give them the edge.

Final Verdict

Predicted Winner: New Zealand
Margin: 3-4 wickets
Score Prediction: South Africa: 165/8 | New Zealand: 170/4

This encounter promises to be a high-quality T20I, with both teams aiming to finish the TriSeries on a high. Fans can expect fireworks from both ends, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final over.

Tune in for what could be one of the most exciting matches of the Zimbabwe TriSeries 2025!
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