NZ vs SA Match Prediction 2025 Final Match: Match Preview, Pitch Report and Who will win Today’s Match?

NZ vs SA Final Match Preview

The Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 was played in a double round robin format with each team playing against the other twice during the group phase and it was New Zealand and South Africa who finished in top two position to qualify for the final match. 

Prior to this NZ vs SA Final match, these two teams played two matches during the group phase. And it was the Kiwis who won in both three matches.

In the first match between the two teams, New Zealand won by 21 runs. The Blackcaps scored 173 runs while batting first with Tim Robinson scoring 75 runs in the match while Bevon Jacobs scored 44 runs unbeaten down the order.

In pursuit of the target, South Africa were dismissed at 152 runs. It was not a great batting performance from them until Dewald Brevis and George Linde took them to a respectable total. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy picked 3 wickets each for New Zealand in this match that helped the Kiwis win by 21 runs.

New Zealand beat South Africa again in the 2nd match between them. This time the Kiwis restricted South Africa to just 134 runs for the loss of 8 wickets with Duffy, Adam Milne and Mitchell Santner all taking 2 wickets each. Chasing the 135 runs target New Zealand won the match by 7 wickets. 

Tim Seifert played the match winning knock for New Zealand as the wicketkeeper batter scored 66 runs in the match. This will be the third match between the two teams. Can South Africa be the third time lucky or will New Zealand get the better of the Proteas again? We will find out this Saturday on July 26.

NZ vs SA Recent Form

This has been a series where New Zealand have continued their great winning run form. In the last 5 matches, New Zealand have won all five matches of the series. Out of all the five wins, New Zealand have won 4 matches in this tri-series itself including wins against Zimbabwe and South Africa. As for the Proteas, they have three wins and two losses in their last five matches. Both of the defeats in-fact was against New Zealand in this tri-series.

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head in T20Is

The New Zealand vs South Africa head-to-head battle has been mostly dominated by the Proteas. These two teams have previously played 17 T20I matches in which South Africa lead the battle with 11 wins while New Zealand is chasing them with 6 wins to their name.

Harare Sports Club, Harare Pitch Report

The pitch at Harare Sports Club appears to be quite level and true, potentially favoring the batsmen. However, the initial phase with the new ball could see fast bowlers extracting extra bounce and speed early on. As the game progresses, particularly during the middle overs, the spinners are expected to begin turning the ball more sharply. In most cases, winning the toss and choosing to field first is advantageous, especially since this match might turn into a high-scoring affair. When stepping in to bat during the second innings, the pitch often becomes ideal for scoring runs. Therefore, aggressive batting to chase the target could be a strategic move.

New Zealand vs South Africa Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry.

South Africa: Lhuan-dre-Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (C), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka.

New Zealand vs South Africa Key Performers

New Zealand Top Batter: Tim Seifert

The New Zealand cricket team's wicketkeeper batter Tim Seifert has been in great form in this ongoing tri-series. He is known for aggressive style of play. His most memorable knock from this series was 66 runs vs South Africa only.

New Zealand Top Bowler: Matt Henry

Experienced right-arm pacer Matt Henry has been New Zealand's best bowler in the tournament. He had formed a great partnership with the likes of Jacob Duffy and Adam Milne. So watch out for the Kiwi pacer in this match.

South Africa Top Batter: Rubin Hermann

South Africa batsman Rubin Hermann has been the team’s best batter in the absence of few regular starters. He is their best batter in this series having scored 119 runs so far. He is coming off the back of a brilliant campaign in the SA20 where he scored 333 runs in 9 innings. He has failed in both the matches vs New Zealand. So it will be important for South Africa if Hermann plays well.

South Africa Top Bowler: Lungi Ngidi 

South African pacer Lungi Ngidi is going to be the bowler to watch out for the Proteas. He is one of the most experienced players in the squad, especially among the bowlers. Ngidi has had a decent performance in the series so far taking 3 wickets in 3 matches. He needs to step-up his game though for South Africa to get the better of New Zealand.

NZ vs SA Today Match Prediction

This Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 has been an exciting series so far where New Zealand and South Africa have played some amazing cricket over the past few years.

These two teams have some great players in their squad. However, New Zealand have definitely got an edge over South Africa. The Proteas have rested few players for the series whereas New Zealand is almost full strength. 

The bowling combination of Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne and Mitchell Santner and their record over South Africa in this series gives New Zealand an edge in this Final match. So we are backing New Zealand to make it 3-0 in this series vs South Africa and lift the Trophy on July 26 in Harare.