AI Simulation, NZ vs SA | South Africa miss top spot ahead of final after 7-run defeat against New Zealand

Pitch and Weather

The pitch of the Harare Sports Club had some cracks, which played a vital role in helping the spinners. The outfield looked quite quick compared to the previous couple of matches.

As expected, the weather was bright and sunny with clear skies, including no rain interruptions during the game.

Toss

South Africa won the toss and asked New Zealand to bat first, but the decision eventually backfired on the Proteas as they failed to chase the target.

Lineups

NZ XI: Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Adam Milne.

SA XI:  Lhuan-dre Pretorius (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (C), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.   

Match Report

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand lost their first wicket early at the score of 22 runs, before Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra stitched a partnership of 44 runs for the second wicket. Ravindra fell prey to George Linde after scoring 18-ball 23. Conway’s 48 runs off 32 balls stabilised New Zealand, followed by Mark Chapman’s crucial 36 (22). These knocks helped the Blackcaps post a total of 168/8 in the allotted 20 overs.  George Linde and Lungi Ngidi shared four wickets between them, including the crucial support from Nandre Burger, Simelane, and Corbin Bosch.

While chasing the target, the Proteas had a shaky start, losing their two wickets at the score of 46 runs as Henry and Bracewell dismissed Lhuan dre-Pretorius and Rassie van der Dussen. Reeza Hendricks and Rubin Hermann stitched a 33-run stand for the third wicket. Santner dismissed Hermann to break this partnership, but Hendricks stood there in the middle and scored a half-century (52 off 39 balls). However, Hendricks’ efforts went in vain as New Zealand were eventually restricted to a total of 161/7 in the entire 20 overs.

Kiwi skipper Santner and pacer Adam Milne claimed two wickets, alongside three wickets shared between Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and Jacob Duffy. With this win, New Zealand have kept their dominance at the top spot of the points table in the current T20I Tri-Series. They now have three consecutive wins in their three games in their tournament so far.

Player of the Match

New Zealand opener Devon Conway won the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning knock of 48 runs off 32 balls, including four fours and two sixes. His knock played a pivotal role in helping his side post a defendable total.

Scorecard