- By Gurmeet Batra
- Sat, 26 Jul 2025 09:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
NZ vs SA Tri-Series: Seamer Matt Henry's masterful final over sealed a heart-stopping tri-series win over South Africa in the final, with the pacer conceding just three runs to clinch a thrilling three-run win for his team on Saturday at Harare Sports Club in Harare.
Proteas' chase of 181 looked well on track, needing just seven runs from the final over with six wickets in hand. However, New Zealand's fielding heroes, Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell, made brilliant catches, ultimately restricting South Africa to 177 for six, securing a nail-biting three-run win for the Kiwis.
In the last over, which was oscillating, Dewald Brevis was playing in his electrifying form, smashing 31 off just 16 deliveries.
But the moment of high drama arrived when Brevis smashed Matt Henry's delivery towards the square-leg boundary, which Bracewell, with his athleticism and agility, proved decisive in completing the crucial catch.
Another twist in the spot came when Daryl Mitchell took a stunning diving catch of George Linde at long off, particularly snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Earlier, riding on the back of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra's solid knocks, both scoring 47, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 180 for five.
In the chase, Proteas gained momentum as teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius's explosive 51 off 35 balls put them in a strong position. South Africa looked set for a comfortable win before Brevis's critical wicket and Henry's match-sealing final over turned the tide.
Matt Henry, who bagged the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, said, "As a group, we have been playing some really good cricket. To get over the line against a very good South African team, proud of the guys. We had to drag our lengths back and credit to our team for sticking in there when the openers were going. We knew it would be tougher later if we get wickets."
"I knew it was one of the last two and it's great to get the last one and when it goes your way it's brilliant. It's great to come here and we have got a big year coming up, with the World Cup and a big home summer as well. This is all the prep for that. The way guys are being brave with their skill-set - that is what we have been asking of people, and hopefully we can build on that," he added.