New Zealand have continued their brilliant run in the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Seriesregistering their third consecutive victory by defeating South Africa by 7 wickets in the fifth match of the series.

South African batters falter again as New Zealand bowlers dominate

After winning the toss, Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santnerunsurprisingly, elected to bowl first. South Africa’s batters struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Skipper Rassie van der Dussen was cleaned up by Adam Milne for just 14 runs. Apart from Reeza Hendricksnone of the Proteas batters could get going. A fighting unbeaten 23-run cameo from George Linde down the order helped South Africa cross the 120-run mark, eventually posting 134/8 in their 20 overs.

It was a brilliant collective bowling effort from the Kiwis. Jacob DuffyMilne, and True picked up two wickets each, consistently applying pressure on the opposition. Pacer William O’Rourke also chipped in with a wicket. New Zealand bowlers have never allowed any opposition to settle in this series.

Tim Seifert takes charge in a comfortable chase

In reply, the chase was a cakewalk for the in-form New Zealand batting lineup. Openers Devon Conway and Tim Seifert laid a strong foundation with a 51-run partnership. Seifert went on to play a match-winning knock of 66 runs. Although the Proteas managed to pick up a few wickets in the middle overs, a handy 51-run stand between Seifert and Daryl Mitchell comfortably sealed the victory for the Kiwis.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be searching for answers. The young side has now lost to New Zealand for the second time in the series. Their bowling attack looked largely ineffective, with only Muthusamy showing any real resistance. Apart from him, none of the bowlers managed to trouble the Kiwi batters consistently. South Africa will need to regroup quickly and address both their batting inconsistencies and lack of penetration with the ball if they hope to overcome the strong Newzealand side.

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