New Zealand and South Africa are set to face off in the final of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series on Saturday, July 26, at Harare Sports Club. The Black Caps have cruised through the group stage with four straight wins, but the Proteas are still searching for consistency after two losses, both against their upcoming opponents.
This marks the first time in eight years that these two sides are meeting in a T20I series, making the stakes even higher. Despite missing several first-choice players, both teams have used the tournament to test their bench strength with an eye on the T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand head into the final as clear favorites, having displayed greater depth and composure under pressure. South Africa, led by Rassie van der Dussen will look to flip the script to end their losing run and lift the trophy with a statement win.
The final promises a high-quality contest between two proud cricketing nations, each with plenty to prove ahead of a packed international calendar.
As anticipation builds for this crucial clash, the bookmakers expect New Zealand to clinch the Tri Series trophy. You can bet on this match with Puntit here!
Head-to-head record: New Zealand vs. South Africa in T20Is
South Africa hold a clear edge over New Zealand in their T20I rivalry, winning 11 of the 17 matches played between the two sides. New Zealand have managed six victories.
In their latest meeting on July 22 in this Tri-Nation Series, New Zealand comfortably chased down South Africa's 134/8, winning by seven wickets with 25 balls to spare. While the Proteas dominate the overall record, the Black Caps have momentum on their side heading into the final.
- Total matches: 17
- New Zealand wins: 6
- South Africa wins: 11
- Tied/No result: 0
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Tim Seifert (NZ): The in-form opener leads the run charts in the tri-series with 166 runs from four innings at an average of 55.33. Seifert has anchored New Zealand’s top order with smart shot selection and a strong strike rate, making him a crucial figure in the final.
Rubin Hermann (SA): The South African wicketkeeper-batter has been a bright spot in their batting lineup, scoring 119 runs in four matches at an average of 29.75. Hermann’s ability to rotate strike and find boundaries makes him a key player in South Africa’s top order.
Bowlers to watch
Ish Sodhi (NZ): The experienced leg-spinner has claimed six wickets in just two games, averaging an impressive 7.67. His control, flight, and ability to turn the ball sharply could pose serious problems for South Africa’s middle order.
Senuran Muthusamy (SA): The left-arm spinner has picked up three wickets in the tri-series so far, averaging 14.33 with the ball. His tidy spells in the middle overs could be crucial in containing New Zealand’s aggressive batters.
NZ vs. SA betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Puntit, New Zealand are the clear favorites ahead of the final with odds of 1.60, while South Africa trail at 2.33. The Black Caps have been unbeaten in the tri-series and carry momentum from two convincing wins over the Proteas.
Their balanced squad and consistent performances give them the edge, though South Africa’s desire for redemption and flashes of individual brilliance could still make it a tightly contested clash.
Odds | |
New Zealand | 1.60 |
South Africa | 2.33 |
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Tim Seifert to score 30+ runs: In great form and leading the run charts, Seifert is expected to anchor New Zealand’s innings once again.
- Ish Sodhi to take 2+ wickets: With his sharp turn and variations, Sodhi is likely to challenge South Africa’s middle order.
- New Zealand to win the match: Based on recent form and head-to-head dominance in the tri-series, New Zealand are well-placed to lift the trophy.
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New Zealand vs. South Africa: Expected playing XIs and team news
New Zealand Team News
After experimenting in their last outing, New Zealand are likely to bring back experienced names like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Jacob Duffy for the final. Conway is expected to open with the in-form Tim Seifert, while Mitchell strengthens the middle order.
The Kiwis may opt for a pace-heavy attack, choosing from Foulkes, O’Rourke, Henry, and Milne. Santner will continue as captain while also leading the spin department.
New Zealand (predicted playing XI): Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
South Africa Team News
South Africa are expected to make key changes for the final, with Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi likely to return to the XI, replacing Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, and Kwena Maphaka.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is set to open the innings alongside Reeza Hendricks, with captain Rassie van der Dussen anchoring the middle order. The side could feature a strong all-rounder presence in Muthusamy, Linde, and Bosch, with a decision still pending on whether to include an extra spinner or seamer in the final XI.
South Africa (predicted playing XI): Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
NZ vs. SA live scorecard: Zimbabwe T20I tri-series final
To follow the action between New Zealand vs. South Africa final live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted site.
Where to watch NZ vs. SA T20I tri-series final in India
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Date & Time (IST): Saturday, July 26, 4:30 PM
- Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: Fancode (app and website)
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