Harare, July 18, 2025 – New Zealand delivered a ruthless performance in the second T20I of the tri-series, completely overpowering Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Friday.
With two wins from two games, the Black Caps have solidified their position at the top of the tri-series table and are now favorites to reach the final.
Zimbabwe, after being put in to bat, struggled from the outset. The hosts managed only 120 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs—a total far below par in modern T20I cricket. Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett were the only batters to show some fight, but the New Zealand bowling unit was relentless. Matt Henry starred with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets, while Rachin Ravindra maintained pressure with an economical spell.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s captain, praised his side’s fielding and bowling unit for rising to the challenge. “Zimbabwe came hard in the Powerplay, but we kept taking wickets,” he said, acknowledging the aggressive intent shown by the Zimbabwe top order.
In reply, New Zealand chased down the target with ease, finishing at 121/2 in just 13.5 overs. Although opener Tim Seifert fell early, Rachin Ravindra played a fluent knock of 30 off 19 deliveries, while Devon Conway anchored the innings with a calm and calculated approach. Conway, who was named Player of the Match, said, “It was tough early on, but it was great to spend time in the middle. The pitch settled down during our innings, and batting became easier.”
Despite spirited spells by Zimbabwe’s quicks Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, their efforts went in vain as the visitors found their rhythm. Captain Sikandar Raza admitted his side was outplayed. “We didn’t bat well after the Powerplay, especially once the spinners came on,” Raza said, calling for improved skill and temperament in future T20I outings.
New Zealand now looks like a well-oiled machine, benefiting from the return of players fresh from the MLC. With their dominant win, they remain unbeaten in the T20I tri-series and appear all but set for the final. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, face a must-win situation against South Africa on Sunday, July 20.