The New Zealand cricket team continued their unbeaten streak in the tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe by defeating the former at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. After a commendable bowling display which restricted the Proteas to 134/8 in 20 overs, the Black Caps were carried to a comfortable 7-wicket victory thanks to power-hitter Tim Seifert's unbeaten knock of 66.
After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bowl first and this decision turned out to be quite beneficial for the side. Seamer Adam Milne got the big wicket of skipper Rassie Van der Dussen in the third over for 14 runs. The South African batting order had barely settled after losing the opener when a brilliant run-out from Mark Chapman sent Rubin Hermann back to the pavilion for 10 runs.
The side led by Van der Dussen failed to form any big partnerships as Dewald Brevis also lost his wicket cheaply for 13 runs in the tenth over. The wicket restricted the Proteas to 52/3 as the Kiwi bowlers continued to dominate. The highest stand that South Africa were able to put up was only for 30 runs and it was formed between Reeza Henricks and George Linde. The former was the top-scorer for the side in the innings with his knock of 41.
The New Zealand bowling attack bowled brilliantly in the death overs as well by not only picking up three wickets, but by also remaining economical throughout their respective spells. Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne and Mitchell Santner all picked up two scalps each while Will O' Rourke also chipped in with one as South Africa were only able to set up a target of 135 for their opponents.
Seifert and Conway got New Zealand off to a great start
In reply, New Zealand got a strong start thanks to the 51-run opening stand between Devon Conway and Tim Seifert. The latter was clearly the aggressor among the two, smashing the opposing bowlers all around the ground. Andile Simelaine managed to get South Africa the much-needed breakthrough in the sixth over and dismissed Conway for 19 runs.
Though the Proteas also got the massive wicket of Rachin Ravindra in the very next over thanks to Senuran Muthuswamy, the total that they had set was a little too small. A 25-run stand between Seifert and Chapman followed by another 51-run partnership, this time between Seifert and Daryl Mitchell (20*) steered the Black Caps to a rather easy 7-wicket victory with 25 still deliveries left to spare.
Seifert was deservedly adjudged as the Player of the Match for his valiant knock which played a crucial role in his side's one-sided win. New Zealand will now be hoping to continue their unbeaten streak when they face hosts Zimbabwe in their next fixture of the tri-series on July 24.