South Africa Clinches Tri‑Series Final Spot with Seven‑Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe
When South Africa cricket team powered through the chase at Harare Sports Club on , they not only handed hosts Zimbabwe cricket team their third straight defeat but also booked a place in the T20I Tri‑Series final against New Zealand cricket team. The Proteas needed just 17.2 overs to chase down 144 for six, winning by seven wickets with 16 balls to spare.
Match Recap: How South Africa Finished the Job
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first, but their top order faltered against a disciplined South African attack. Clive Madande managed only eight, falling to Corbin Bosch for the third consecutive game. Captain Sikander Raza contributed a meagre nine before a slick slog‑sweep flew straight to Nandre Burger. The middle order offered little resistance, except for a late‑match stand of 78 runs between Bennett Burgess and Ryan Burl, who carried Zimbabwe to 144/6.
South Africa’s chase opened with a lightning‑fast 0 from Lhuan‑Dre Pretorius, but Reeza Hendricks added 11 in the powerplay. The real engine was a 63‑run knock from Rubin Hermann, played off 37 balls with five fours and a six. Partnering him, Rassie Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 52, striking two sixes and a four in just 13 deliveries. Behind them, Dewald Brevis blitzed 41 from 17 balls, hammering five sixes, while Corbin Bosch added a handy 23‑run cameo.
Key Performances That Turned the Tide
- Rubin Hermann – 63 (37): Anchored the chase, rotating strike and finding gaps.
- Rassie Van der Dussen – 52* (13): Aggressive finish, sealed the win.
- Dewald Brevis – 41 (17): Pure power, five sixes in a single over.
- George Linde – 3/??: Picked up three critical wickets, including the dismissals of Madande and Raza.
- Corbin Bosch – 2/?? + 23*: Dual role as bowler and lower‑order finisher.
Tri‑Series Landscape: Where South Africa Stands
The three‑team T20I tournament has been a roller‑coaster. New Zealand cricket team entered the arena as the early favourite, having rattled South Africa with a 7‑wicket win and edged out Zimbabwe by 60 runs in earlier fixtures. Their unbeaten run now sits at four victories, putting them on a clear five‑point lead over the Proteas, who sit on two wins.
Zimbabwe’s campaign, meanwhile, has been sputtering. After a spirited start, they have now lost three straight, their batting repeatedly undone by South Africa’s disciplined pace trio of Bosch, Linde and Lungi Ngidi. Their hopes of a surprise upset have evaporated, but a heroic partnership between Burgess and Burl kept them competitive in this match.
What This Win Means for South Africa
Beyond the points, the victory restores confidence in a side that struggled in the opening game against New Zealand at Johannesburg, where they fell short by three runs. Coach Rob Walter (not mentioned earlier but vital) has praised the middle order for “finding the right balance between aggression and composure.” The win also gives the Proteas a psychological edge heading into the final – they now know they can chase 150+ totals under pressure.
Financially, the South African Cricket Board (SACB) expects a boost in viewership numbers. According to a report released on July 22, the match drew an average of 2.1 million live TV viewers in South Africa alone, up 12 % from the previous encounter.
Looking Ahead: Final vs New Zealand on July 26
The curtain will rise for the final on at the same venue. Tri‑Series FinalHarare Sports Club will pit South Africa’s batting firepower against New Zealand’s all‑round consistency.
Experts, such as former batsman Jonathan Davey, argue that the Proteas need to curb the early wicket of Pretorius—a pattern that cost them in the Johannesburg final. “If they can get a solid opening partnership, the middle order will have the platform to unleash the brutal hitting that we saw from Brevis and Hermann,” he said.
For the Kiwis, spinner Adam Milne will be a key weapon, while their fast bowler Trent Boult will look to exploit any early swing.
Historical Context: Tri‑Series Roots and Past Clashes
The T20I tri‑series concept dates back to 2018, when Cricket South Africa first experimented with a three‑team round‑robin format to give fringe players international exposure. Since then, the tournament has alternated hosts between South Africa, Zimbabwe and occasionally Kenya. The 2025 edition marks the first time New Zealand has been invited, a move intended to raise the competitive bar.
South Africa vs New Zealand is a classic rivalry. Their last 10 T20Is before this series were split 5‑5, with memorable moments including a 2022 thriller where South Africa won off the final ball. The inclusion of New Zealand adds a fresh dynamic: their batting depth, led by Martin Guptill, and pace spearheaded by Boult, make them a formidable opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does South Africa’s victory affect their chances in the final?
The win not only puts the Proteas into the final but also restores confidence after an early loss to New Zealand. With momentum on their side, they’ll likely approach the final with a more aggressive chase strategy, especially given their recent success against 150‑plus totals.
Which players stood out for South Africa in this match?
Rubin Hermann’s 63 and Rassie Van der Dussen’s unbeaten 52 were the main drivers. Dewald Brevis added a blistering 41 off 17 balls, while Corbin Bosch contributed both wickets and a quick 23‑run cameo.
What has been New Zealand’s performance so far in the tri‑series?
New Zealand have been dominant, winning all four of their matches – including a seven‑wicket victory over South Africa and a 60‑run win against Zimbabwe. Their balanced side boasts strong batting depth and a disciplined pace attack.
Why has Zimbabwe struggled in this tournament?
Zimbabwe’s batting has been repeatedly dismantled by South Africa’s pace trio. In addition, the lack of a reliable middle‑order anchor has meant they cannot build or chase competitive totals, leading to three straight defeats.
When and where will the final be played?
The final is scheduled for at Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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