Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 3rd Match Results

Updated：New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by 8 wickets.

New Zealand cruised to an easy eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Harare, keeping their T20 tri-series campaign spotless. After a strong bowling performance restricted Zimbabwe to just 120, Matt Henry stood out again with 3 for 26, while Ravindra and the spin unit kept things tight. Zimbabwe had some early spark thanks to Wessly Madhevere’s 36, but their innings fizzled out quickly after a mid-innings collapse. A poor finish and lack of big partnerships left them way short on runs.

A composed knock from Conway! 🤩✨#ZIMvNZ #WhistleForJoburg #WhistleForSuperKings pic.twitter.com/E3pkLYnCtE

— Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) July 18, 2025

Chasing 121, the Kiwis made it look like a casual afternoon stroll. Tim Seifert fell early, but Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra put on a slick 59-run stand that took the sting out of Zimbabwe’s bowling. Conway survived some early scares (and even a near run-out!) before powering through to an unbeaten 59, cracking two sixes along the way. With back-to-back wins, New Zealand are flying high, while Zimbabwe will need a serious turnaround to stay alive in the tournament.

Two from two! An 8-wicket win, guided home by Devon Conway’s 59*. Scorecard | https://t.co/h6VsmuK0pN Highlights on @ThreeNewZealand 📺 #ZIMvNZ #CricketNation 📷 = Zimbabwe Cricket pic.twitter.com/NklBqu5otT

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 18, 2025

ZIM vs NZ 2025 3rd T20I – Can Zimbabwe avenge their defeat from 10 years ago?

The last time Zimbabwe and New Zealand met at the Harare Sports Club (HSC) was a decade ago. Back then, New Zealand thrashed Zimbabwe by a big margin of 80 runs. Since that game, these two teams haven’t faced each other at this venue again. In fact, they have played three times at HSC, and New Zealand won all those matches. Now, after ten years, both teams have changed a lot in terms of strength. Does Zimbabwe have a chance to take revenge after all this time?

ZIM vs NZ – Zimbabwe’s fresh new look after 10 years

Compared to ten years ago, Zimbabwe’s players have improved a lot. Just take their captain Sikandar Raza for example. His international experience now is far beyond what it was back then. He is much more mature both technically and mentally.

Also, Zimbabwe has added some bright all-rounders after 2015, like Luke Jongwe, Ryan Burl, and Brad Evans. Jongwe and Burl joined the team in 2016 and 2017 respectively, and have since gained plenty of international exposure. Ryan Burl is well-known for his left-hand batting and right-arm bowling. Both are key performers with bat and ball. Brad Evans joined only in 2021 but has already grabbed attention for his powerful hitting and steady medium-pace bowling. Besides them, veterans Sean Williams and Craig Ervine add valuable experience. Overall, after ten years of hard work, Zimbabwe’s progress is clearly visible.

ZIM vs NZ – How can Zimbabwe beat the stronger New Zealand side?

Since New Zealand’s overall strength is higher, Zimbabwe can’t just play aggressively and expect to win easily. In my personal opinion, Zimbabwe needs to adopt an attrition strategy. Being the weaker side, they must use their second-string players to tire out New Zealand’s top stars, creating matchups where their second-best faces New Zealand’s best, and vice versa.

For example, Zimbabwe’s opening batsmen Kaia and Madhevere should aim to have a steady start, protecting the wickets and wearing down the New Zealand bowlers’ spells. This will give middle and late-order hitters like Ervine, Raza, and Burl the chance to explode later. If the openers don’t meet the main bowlers early, they can look to score freely but still work on exhausting the bowlers’ energy and overs. But this plan depends heavily on Zimbabwe’s second-tier players performing consistently. If they get suppressed at the start, then the game could be over before it really begins.

ZIM vs NZ – New Zealand’s recent form

New Zealand’s recent form has been quite good, winning 7 out of their last 10 T20Is. Their opponents included strong teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, both ranked higher than Zimbabwe. Although some key players are currently out injured, New Zealand has enough squad depth to cover those absences comfortably. For instance, Ravindra, an all-rounder suited for HSC conditions, can be replaced by Mitchell Santner, another experienced all-rounder. So looking at New Zealand’s current condition, playing against a team like Zimbabwe should be no problem at all.

ZIM vs NZ – Pre-match prediction

To conclude, I personally feel New Zealand has about a 70% chance to win whether they bat first or second. The reasons are clear: they have top-class players, good depth in both bowling and batting, and are not troubled by injuries. Also, the pitch conditions suit their main bowler Boult very well. Their 70% win rate over the last 10 matches has come against teams stronger than Zimbabwe. Although 8 of those matches were at home, New Zealand is not unfamiliar with playing at HSC either.

You can also click here to view the full T20I schedules

ZIM vs NZ 2025 3rd T20I – Key Player

Zimbabwe’s Key Players to Watch

• Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza is their most versatile player, with over 1,800 T20I runs at a strike rate of 133 and 40+ wickets. His 135 against India in 2022 highlighted his ability to challenge top teams. At HSC, he averages 32.8 and uses home advantage to control middle overs with off-spin and accelerate when needed. While his average against New Zealand is lower (18.5), his recent form—with two fifties and a 3-wicket haul in five matches—indicates he is peaking. His leadership and adaptability make him Zimbabwe’s key match-winner.
• Sean Williams – A seasoned campaigner, Williams brings calm and composure to Zimbabwe’s middle order. He averages 24.6 in T20Is but has a strong record at HSC, where he averages 34.1 and strikes at over 130. As a left-hander, he offers a matchup advantage against New Zealand’s right-arm-heavy pace attack. Williams also provides left-arm orthodox spin which could be effective against New Zealand’s aggressive middle order. In 2023, he scored a century against Ireland and took 4 wickets in two matches. His recent form and experience at Harare make him a pivotal player, especially in a close contest.
• Blessing Muzarabani – Muzarabani is Zimbabwe’s spearhead with raw pace and bounce, perfectly suited to HSC. His T20I bowling average at Harare is 26.4 with an economy under 8. Against New Zealand in 2015, he bowled economically but went wicketless although that was early in his career. He has since developed a deadly short ball and has recently picked up 7 wickets in his last 4 matches. Facing a side like New Zealand with power hitters up top, Muzarabani’s ability to extract bounce and generate awkward lengths could prove decisive especially in the powerplay and death overs.
• Luke Jongwe – Luke Jongwe provides Zimbabwe with a reliable seam-bowling all-rounder. In 45 T20Is, he’s taken 52 wickets at an average of 19.2 impressive numbers for a team often under pressure. He also averages 16.5 with the bat at a strike rate above 130, making him valuable in the lower order. At HSC, he has taken 18 wickets in 12 matches, often breaking key partnerships. Jongwe has also performed well in pressure moments with multiple last-over wins in domestic cricket. Against a deep New Zealand lineup, his ability to mix slower balls with cutters will be critical in containing runs and picking middle-over wickets.

New Zealand’s Key Players to Watch

• Trent Boult – Trent Boult is one of New Zealand’s top T20I fast bowlers, with an economy of 7.8 and bowling average of 22.26. His ability to swing the ball early and exploit the sharp bounce at Harare Sports Club (HSC), known for its hard surface, makes him a key threat. Although he has limited experience at HSC, his skills in similar conditions are valuable. Against Zimbabwe, Boult has taken 6 wickets in 4 matches, often breaking through early in the innings. His recent IPL performances demonstrate continued pace and control, solidifying his role as New Zealand’s primary threat.
• Glenn Phillips – Glenn Phillips is New Zealand’s dynamic middle-order batsman with a T20I strike rate of 144. His century against Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup proved his ability to perform under pressure. At HSC, where spin is less effective due to the pitch’s hardness, Phillips can dominate through aggressive stroke play. He has also contributed as a part-time off-spinner and reliable wicketkeeper. Against Zimbabwe, he averages over 35 with the bat, and his recent domestic form has been excellent, hitting three fifties in his last six innings. In a venue that rewards timing and strength, Phillips is a game-changer in both innings.
• Finn Allen – A powerplay enforcer, Finn Allen has a T20I strike rate above 165 and often sets the tone for New Zealand. Though his high-risk game sometimes brings inconsistency, on a pitch like HSC with its reliable bounce he can unleash a flurry of boundaries. Zimbabwe’s bowlers have struggled historically against aggressive openers, and Allen’s quick starts could destabilize their attack early. He recently smashed 137 off 62 balls in a series against Pakistan, showing he’s in form. Zimbabwe has limited high-pace experience, and if Allen gets going, the match could tilt early in New Zealand’s favor.
• Daryl Mitchell – Mitchell’s versatility makes him a crucial cog in New Zealand’s lineup. With a T20I average of 27.35 and a strike rate of 137, he’s proven capable of building or accelerating an innings. At Harare, where change-of-pace and timing are key, his adaptable approach will be vital. He’s also capable of delivering medium-pace overs when needed. Mitchell scored a match-winning 72* against India earlier this year and has averaged over 35 in his last 10 T20I innings. With Zimbabwe’s spinners expected to be less effective at HSC, Mitchell’s presence adds depth and reliability to the batting order.

ZIM vs NZ 2025 3rd T20I – Possible Squad List

ZIM vs NZ 2025 3rd T20I – Preview & Match Details:

Match Name: Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series

Match Date: 18th Jul 2025

Match Time: 04:30 PM IST

Competing Teams: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 3rd T20I (ZIM vs NZ)

Venue: Harare Sports Club Cricket Stadium, Harare

Note：The match has not started yet, but updates will be provided regularly once it begins.

ZIM vs NZ 2025 3rd T20I – Venue History&Analysis: Harare Sports Club Cricket Stadium

Stadium Capacity: Approximately 10,000 spectators

Stadium Address: 3 Lanark Road, Harare, Zimbabwe

Stadium History:

Harare Sports Club (HSC) is the most iconic cricket ground in Zimbabwe. Although it hasn’t hosted a large number of international matches, it enjoys immense popularity locally. In addition to the members-only bar The Centurion, some of the most passionate cricket fans gather at the famous Castle Corner bar. When Zimbabwe defeated India at HSC in 2015 for their first-ever T20I win at the venue, fans at Castle Corner erupted in celebration, dancing to traditional music and waving flags with pride.

This victory was considered a milestone that put Harare on the international cricket map. However, in 2023, Castle Corner experienced a fire under unclear circumstances. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time, and after an assessment, match officials determined it did not impact the schedule. The following games proceeded as planned.

Stadium Features:

The pitch at HSC is known for being hard and flat, producing excellent bounce. As a result, it’s not particularly friendly to spin bowlers, whose turn is often limited here. The conditions generally favor pace bowlers, especially those who can exploit steep bounce and deliver sharp, angled seamers. One of the most iconic bowlers to thrive in these conditions was the late Heath Streak. He was regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest fast bowlers. Renowned for his control, he consistently used off-pace deliveries and sharp movement to outsmart batters.

Advantage Analysis:

Although Zimbabwe has made clear progress in cricket over recent years and HSC is their home ground, as noted in the previous article RSA vs NZ 2025 2nd T20I Tri-Series – A High-Voltage Clash for Tempo Supremacy! New Zealand’s bowling attack remains formidable. Even when limited by pitch conditions, they feature Trent Boult, a bowler Zimbabwe simply cannot ignore. Boult offers the same kind of precision and consistency and is equally adept at using off-speed deliveries and angled seamers to dismantle batting lineups.

Historically, Zimbabwe has struggled against New Zealand, losing all six of their T20I matchups, including the last one a decade ago at HSC. While most players from that era are no longer in the squad, the psychological weight of that record may still linger. Given the evident difference in team strengths, New Zealand is still the clear favorite. Their estimated chance of winning is around 70 percent.

All Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series Match:

• ZIM vs RSA 2025 1st T20I Tri-Series – David vs Goliath Battle Can the Underdogs Snatch a Ray of Hope?
• RSA vs NZ 2025 2nd T20I Tri-Series – A High-Voltage Clash for Tempo Supremacy!
• ZIM vs RSA 2025 4th T20I Tri-Series – Undefeated South Africa is coming strong, how will Zimbabwe face the challenge?
• NZ vs RSA 2025 5th T20I Tri-Series – South Africa with a strong record against New Zealand will they show some weakness this time?
• ZIM vs NZ 2025 6th T20I Tri-Series – Will the Kiwis dominate once again or can Zimbabwe pull off a surprise?
• NZ vs RSA 2025 Final T20I – Can South Africa Make Effective Adjustments After Losing to New Zealand?