NZ Dominate Zimbabwe in T20 Tri-Series

New Zealand dominated Zimbabwe in the T20 tri-series. Credit: Outlook India

New Zealand delivered a commanding performance against hosts Zimbabwe on Friday, securing an eight-wicket victory in their tri-series match at Harare Sports Club.

Matt Henry led the bowling attack with three crucial wickets, while Devon Conway anchored the chase with an unbeaten half-century.

After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe made a promising start but ultimately faltered, managing only 120 for 7.

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Fast bowler Henry was the standout performer for the Black Caps, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs. New Zealand then efficiently chased down the target in just 13.5 overs, with left-handed opener Conway hitting a superb 59 not out off 40 balls.

New Zealand’s Bowling Prowess

New Zealand’s fast bowlers, spearheaded by Henry, effectively utilised short-pitched deliveries to trouble the Zimbabwean batsmen.

Additionally, left-arm spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra exploited the dry pitch, generating bounce and turn that proved difficult to handle.

Zimbabwe’s opening pair, Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett, put on 37 runs for the first wicket. However, Bennett (21) was dismissed in the sixth over, top-edging a short ball from Henry to square leg. Madhevere, despite scoring 11 runs off Henry’s first over, struggled to find fluency, making 36 runs off 32 balls. No Zimbabwean batsman was able to assert control over New Zealand’s spin attack.

Zimbabwe_T20 Tri-Series (News Central TV)
New Zealand dominated Zimbabwe in the T20 tri-series.
Credit: Cricket World

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner noted, “They came out quite aggressive in the power play, but we adapted well with the ball.”

Conway’s Resilient Knock Secures Win

In New Zealand’s reply, Conway had a fortunate start, being dropped on one at a backwards point in the first over. Opening partner Tim Seifert was caught at cover for three in the next over.

However, Conway and Ravindra then formed a solid 59-run partnership for the second wicket. Daryl Mitchell later joined Conway to guide the Black Caps to victory, a result that effectively secures their spot in the final on July 26.

Conway acknowledged his early luck, adding that Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani bowled well on a “challenging” surface. “It was nice to get through that period,” he said.

Zimbabwe now faces a steep challenge, needing to win their remaining matches against South Africa and New Zealand by significant margins to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

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