New Zealand seamer Matt Henry delivered a composed final over to secure a dramatic three-run win over South Africa in the T20 International Tri-Series final at Harare Sports Club on 27 July.
Defending a target of 181, Henry restricted South Africa to just three runs in the final over, as they finished on 177 for six despite needing only eight runs from the last eight balls with six wickets in hand. Key to New Zealand’s late fightback were two stunning catches Michael Bracewell juggled a boundary-line effort to remove Dewald Brevis, while Daryl Mitchell pulled off a diving grab to dismiss George Linde.
Brevis appeared to have turned the game with a rapid 31 off 16 balls and nearly sealed the win with a powerful hit towards square leg, only for Bracewell to recover brilliantly on the rope. Linde also threatened to take South Africa home with a straight six, but Mitchell’s effort at long off changed the equation.
Henry, who finished with figures of 2 for 19 from three overs, kept his cool to deny Senuran Muthusamy off the final ball.
“As a group we’ve been playing some really good cricket and to get over the line in such a tight game, I’m proud of the guys,” Henry said. “It’s credit to the team’s attitude staying in the fight and knowing that wickets can change things.”
Earlier, New Zealand were asked to bat first and posted 180 for five, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra both contributing 47 runs.
In response, South African teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius impressed with a 35-ball 51, giving his side early momentum. However, the late strikes and New Zealand’s sharp fielding turned the tide in the closing stages.
“It was a game of millimetres,” South Africa captain Rassie van der Dussen reflected. “We played a good game, but in the end it came down to moments. We’ve had debuts and some experimentation in this series, so we’ll take plenty of learning from this.”
Zimbabwe, the hosts and third team in the series, failed to register a single win in their four group matches.