NZ pip South Africa in last ball thriller after Henry heroics: 2025 Zim Tri T20 Final ...

Paceman Matt Henry was the hero as New Zealand held their nerve in a tense final to edge South Africa by just 3 runs and claim the 2025 Tri-Nation T20 Series title in Harare.

Batting first, New Zealand posted a solid total of 180/5, anchored by twin knocks of 47 each from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. The Black Caps built steadily through the middle overs before pushing hard at the death to set a challenging target of 181.

South Africa raced to 92 without loss by the halfway stage, led by a fluent opening stand. However, their momentum was abruptly halted as they collapsed to 131/4, with New Zealand’s bowlers tightening the screws. Dewald Brevis reignited the Proteas’ hopes with a powerful 31 off just 16 balls, but the pressure of the chase mounted in the final over.

With 7 needed off 6 balls, Matt Henry delivered a brilliant final over, conceding only 3 runs and taking two crucial wickets—including Brevis, caught near the boundary by Michael Bracewell. Henry finished with 2/19 and was deservedly named Player of the Match. 

New Zealand 180 for 5 (Ravindra 47, Conway 47, Ngidi 2-24) beat South Africa 177 for 6 (Pretorius 51, Hendricks 37, Henry 2-19) by three runs.

July 2025.