New Zealand have continued their brilliant run in the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, registering their third consecutive victory by defeating South Africa by 7 wickets in the fifth match of the series.

South African batters falter again as New Zealand bowlers dominate

After winning the toss, Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner, unsurprisingly, elected to bowl first. South Africa’s batters struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Skipper Rassie van der Dussen was cleaned up by Adam Milne for just 14 runs. Apart from Reeza Hendricks, none of the Proteas batters could get going. A fighting unbeaten 23-run cameo from George Linde down the order helped South Africa cross the 120-run mark, eventually posting 134/8 in their 20 overs.

It was a brilliant collective bowling effort from the Kiwis. Jacob Duffy, Milne, and Santner picked up two wickets each, consistently applying pressure on the opposition. Pacer William O’Rourke also chipped in with a wicket. New Zealand bowlers have never allowed any opposition to settle in this series.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Devon Conway’s explosive knock leads New Zealand to a comfortable win over Zimbabwe in the T20I Tri-Series

Tim Seifert takes charge in a comfortable chase

In reply, the chase was a cakewalk for the in-form New Zealand batting lineup. Openers Devon Conway and Tim Seifert laid a strong foundation with a 51-run partnership. Seifert went on to play a match-winning knock of 66 runs. Although the Proteas managed to pick up a few wickets in the middle overs, a handy 51-run stand between Seifert and Daryl Mitchell comfortably sealed the victory for the Kiwis.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be searching for answers. The young side has now lost to New Zealand for the second time in the series. Their bowling attack looked largely ineffective, with only Senuran Muthusamy showing any real resistance. Apart from him, none of the bowlers managed to trouble the Kiwi batters consistently. South Africa will need to regroup quickly and address both their batting inconsistencies and lack of penetration with the ball if they hope to overcome the strong Newzealand side.

Here’s how fans reacted:

The New Zealand team is playing very well and is defeating every team that comes their way. #SAvsNZ #NZvSA

– Beat SA by 21 runs.
– Beat ZIM by 8 wickets.
– Beat SA by 7 wickets. pic.twitter.com/ao6WrFQzW5

— CricTalkWith – Atif 🏏 (@cricatif) July 22, 2025

That is an embarrassing performance by the #proteas We do not expect pathetic displays like that from this team. Shameful lads, really shameful #SAvsNZ #NZvsSA @ProteasMenCSA

— Luke du Toit (@Luke_du_Toit) July 22, 2025

Poor performance by south Africans is very poor the most dull in batting and bowling, you better play Ireland, usa, nepal to make you icc point. @ProteasMenCSA #T20ITriSeries #SAvsNZ

— Piyush Pandey (@PiyushP83438895) July 22, 2025

Another usual day in the office for Devon Conway #SAvsNZ

— Cric mma (@mmacric) July 22, 2025

3 out of 3 for New Zealand, comprehensive display in all departments.#SAvNZ

— Thiyagesh V (@VThiyagesh) July 22, 2025

Three wins on the trot! Tim Seifert’s 66* propelled New Zealand to a 7-wicket victory over the Proteas.

Catch up on the scorecard at https://t.co/3YsfR1Y3Sm & the NZC App 📲 Highlights will be available on @ThreeNewZealand 📺 #SAvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/gOpDOz0C23

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 22, 2025

WELL PLAYED, TIM SEIFERT! 👏🔥

– A match-winning 66* off 48 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes against South Africa!

Calm, composed & classy – Seifert steers New Zealand home in style. 💪#TimSeifert #NZvSA #TriSeries2025 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/xJJ0xYzOKy

— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) July 22, 2025

Tim Seifert powered NZ home to a 3rd straight win in the tri-series with his 11th T20I fifty #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/wjmqjWJY8s

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) July 22, 2025

Tim seifert needs to be a opener for NZ for the T20 worldcup 26. Man is a serious hitter💥#SAvNZ

— Thiyagesh V (@VThiyagesh) July 22, 2025

– Beat SA by 21 runs.
– Beat ZIM by 8 wickets.
– Beat SA by 7 wickets.

3 WINS IN 3 MATCHES FOR MITCHELL SANTNER & HIS TEAM, He is doing incredible things as Captain. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1IvRXND8xN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 22, 2025

Also WATCH:  Zimbabwean batter Wessly Madhevere falls to unlucky hit-wicket dismissal against South Africa in T20I tri-series opener