The T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe hasn’t exactly set the world alight. But come Saturday at the Harare Sports Club, there’s still plenty on the line as an unbeaten New Zealand take on a second-string but spirited South African side in the final.
With four wins from four – two each against South Africa and Zimbabwe – the Black Caps enter the final as overwhelming favourites. Their dominance has been clinical, and the gulf in depth and experience has been evident. For South Africa, who booked their spot by beating Zimbabwe twice, the final is as much about pushing for a surprise win as it is about testing their bench strength ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in India.
" We're working towards the T20 World Cup, but one thing that was made clear by the coach is that we take it one series at a time. Tomorrow is another one of those challenges, to be able to come out on top against probably a full-strength New Zealand team.
Youthful exuberance, experienced shoulders
The South African squad may lack some of its first-choice names – including captain Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton – but it hasn’t been short of energy. Ngidi, who impressed during last month's WTC final at Lord’s, has taken up the leadership mantle with pride.
I’m really enjoying the energy these youngsters bring. We’ve got a couple of guys here who are hungry to perform, and a win in the final would be a massive boost going forward.
Among the bright spots has been Rubin Hermann, South Africa’s leading run-scorer with 119 in four games, and Dewald Brevis, who also crossed the 100-run mark. Yet, bowling remains a concern. No South African bowler features among the tournament’s top-five wicket-takers, and that imbalance could prove costly against a firing New Zealand side.
Seifert, Santner lead settled Kiwi charge
If South Africa have looked a bit unsettled, New Zealand have been the exact opposite – methodical, efficient, and composed.
Tim Seifert has been the standout with the bat, amassing 166 runs at an average of 55.33, including back-to-back fifties. Rachin Ravindra has provided solid support, while Matt Henry (8 wickets in 3 innings) and Ish Sodhi (best figures of 4-12) have led the bowling effort.
Captain Mitchell Santner praised the team’s flexibility. “Throughout this series, we've done a lot of good stuff. Different guys stepping up at times is always a good thing, and does give us a bit of a selection headache,” he said.
New Zealand are expected to bring Devon Conway back to the top of the order after experimenting with Tim Robinson in the last league match. Michael Bracewell, thanks to his all-round ability, may edge out Sodhi in the final XI.
Proteas playing for more than just the trophy
For South Africa, the final is not just about silverware. It's about answering selection questions ahead of a high-stakes year. With the likes of Reeza Hendricks and Lhuan-dre Pretorius – both of whom topped the run charts in the SA20 – this is another audition for a place in the World Cup squad.
Ngidi summed it up best: "It’s important we don’t look too far ahead. This final is our immediate challenge. It’s about fixing the errors from the previous games and putting up a fight.”
With contrasting stakes and different trajectories, Saturday’s final may yet produce a contest worthy of its billing.
Probable playing XIs: New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Zakary Foulkes, Will O'Rourke, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rassie van der Dussen (capt), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Senuran Muthusamy, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Nqaba Peter/Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi
KEY FACTS
Tim Seifert is the top batter for New Zealand in the Tri-series with two fifties.
Matt Henry will be the dangerman for South Africa with 8 wickets in three matches.
The key battle of the final will pit South Africa's Lhuan-dre Pretorius against Matt Henry.
The clash between Tim Seifert and Lungi Ngidi will also be worth watching.
