Matt Henry’s Final-Over Heroics Seal Tri-Series Win for New Zealand

🎯 Last-Over Drama in Harare

New Zealand clinched the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series title with a thrilling 3-run victory over South Africa, defending 181 in the final. With just 6 runs needed off the last over, Matt Henry held his nerve, dismissing Dewald Brevis and George Linde with the help of spectacular boundary catches by Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell2. Senuran Muthusamy missed the final ball, sealing New Zealand’s unbeaten run in the tournament.

🔥 Key Performances

• Matt Henry: 2/19 in the final, 10 wickets in 4 matches, named Player of the Series2
• Rachin Ravindra & Devon Conway: Both scored 47, anchoring NZ’s innings
• Tim Seifert: Series’ top run-scorer, aggressive start with 30 off 27
• Lhuan-dre Pretorius: Hit his maiden T20I fifty (51 off 35), led SA’s chase
• Lungi Ngidi: SA’s best bowler in the final, 2/24 in 4 overs

🧠 Tactical Shifts & Fielding Brilliance

• NZ’s bowlers adjusted pace and length in death overs
• SA’s chase faltered after a strong 92-run opening stand
• NZ’s fielding turned the tide: three stunning catches in the final overs
• Jacob Duffy, ICC’s No.1 T20I bowler, impressed early but was expensive in the 19th over1

📊 Match Summary