Tim Robinson played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s 21-run victory over South Africa in the second match of the Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series 2025 at Harare Sports Club. His classy, unbeaten 75, alongside a disciplined bowling performance, led New Zealand to a competitive total and eventual triumph.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 173/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Robinson anchored the innings with a steady 75 not out off 57 balls, featuring six boundaries and three sixes. After a top-order collapse saw the Kiwis reduced to 70 for 5 within 10 overs, Robinson found a reliable partner in Bevon Jacobs. Jacobs contributed 44 off 30 balls, including one four and three sixes. Their unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 103 runs helped New Zealand recover, finishing at 8.65 runs per over.
South Africa’s bowlers, though occasionally brilliant, struggled during the death overs. Kwena Maphaka led the attack with 2/38, and Senuran Muthusamy was effective with figures of 1/19 in four overs. However, they were unable to maintain pressure as New Zealand finished strongly.
In reply, South Africa’s chase began with promise, as Lhuandre Pretorius (27 off 17) and Reeza Hendricks (16) guided them to 34 in four overs. However, a series of wickets in the middle overs put the chase on the back foot. Matt Henry starred for New Zealand with 3/34, including key wickets of Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, and Gerald Coetzee. Brevis (35 off 18 balls) provided hope, but his dismissal just before the 12th over slowed South Africa’s momentum.
Jacob Duffy was also impactful, claiming 3/20, while Ish Sodhi supported with 2/34. South Africa was eventually dismissed for 152 in 18.2 overs, falling short by 21 runs.
Brief Scores:
- New Zealand: 173/5 in 20 overs (Tim Robinson 75*, Bevon Jacobs 44; Kwena Maphaka 2/38)
- South Africa: 152 all out in 18.2 overs (Dewald Brevis 35, Lhuandre Pretorius 27; Matt Henry 3/34, Jacob Duffy 3/20)
New Zealand won by 21 runs.
In other news, Mahedi Hasan’s brilliant performance leads Bangladesh to a historic T20I series win over Sri Lanka —- For more on the thrilling match, check our full news
