In a thrilling final of the tri-nation series held in Zimbabwe on Saturday (July 26), New Zealand emerged victorious by just 3 runs. Defending a total of 180, the Kiwis restricted their opponents to 177.
With this win, New Zealand remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and claimed the tri-series title. Fast bowler Matt Henry delivered a sensational final over to secure this unbelievable victory for his team.
Henry was undoubtedly the hero of the final. When the team was staring at potential defeat, he stepped up with the ball and turned the match around. He bowled a dot on the first delivery of the final over and dismissed Dewald Brevis on the next, thanks to a brilliant boundary catch by Michael Bracewell.
Henry nearly picked up another wicket on the third ball, but Bracewell failed to hold on to a catch from Corbin Bosch, who managed to sneak in 2 runs. A single followed on the next delivery, leaving South Africa needing 4 runs off the final 2 balls.
On the fifth delivery, Daryl Mitchell took a stunning catch to send Lizaad Williams back. Senuran Muthusamy failed to connect with the last ball.
Henry finished with 2 wickets for 19 runs in 3 overs. Not only was he named Player of the Match, but he also received the Player of the Series award for claiming 10 wickets in 4 matches.
Score Summary:
New Zealand – 180/5 in 20 overs
(Siefert 30, Conway 47, Ravindra 47, Chapman 3, Mitchell 16*, Bracewell 15, Santner 3*; Ngidi 4-0-24-2, Burger 4-0-41-1, Maphaka 4-0-35-1, Lizaad Williams 1-0-9-0, Muthusamy 3-0-27-1, Bosch 4-0-38-0)
South Africa – 177/6 in 20 overs
(Pretorius 51, Hendricks 37, van der Dussen 18, Harman 11, Brevis 31, Williams 10, Bosch 3*, Muthusamy 0*; Henry 3-0-19-2, Duffy 4-0-36-1, Foxcroft 3-0-36-1, Milne 4-0-27-1, Santner 3-0-29-0, Bracewell 3-0-29-1)
Result: New Zealand won by 3 runs
Player of the Match: Matt Henry
Player of the Series: Matt Henry
