South Africa Choke Again In Final Over, Lose Harare T20I Tri-Series Final To New Zealand By 3 Runs

South Africa suffered another late collapse, failing to score 7 runs in the final over to lose the Harare T20I tri-series final to New Zealand by 3 runs. Matt Henry’s brilliant last over sealed a dramatic Kiwi win.

SA vs NZ: South Africa suffered another heartbreaking collapse in a high-stakes match, failing to score 7 runs in the final over to lose the Harare T20I tri-series final to New Zealand by 3 runs on Saturday (July 26). Chasing 181 for victory, South Africa looked comfortably placed at 174/4 after 19 overs but faltered dramatically in the last six balls as Matt Henry produced a stunning final over to snatch victory for New Zealand.

Brevis Dismissal Sparks Collapse

Dewald Brevis, who had earlier reignited South Africa’s chase with a quickfire 31 off 16 balls, fell on the second ball of the final over after failing to clear Michael Bracewell at the boundary. His wicket followed a dot ball on the first delivery, immediately turning the pressure back on South Africa.

Two balls later, Corbin Bosch took two runs after a dropped catch from Bracewell but failed to find the boundary. George Linde came back on strike, needing four off two deliveries, but was dismissed in spectacular fashion as Daryl Mitchell completed a diving catch. That left South Africa needing four off the final ball. Senuran Muthusamy, however, couldn't connect, and New Zealand secured a famous win.

South Africa Let Advantage Slip Again

At 92 for no loss inside 10 overs, South Africa appeared to be cruising towards the 181-run target. However, they lost momentum in the middle phase, collapsing from 92/0 to 131/4 — a span in which they lost 4 wickets for just 39 runs. Despite a spirited effort by Brevis late in the innings, the pressure mounted in the final over, exposing familiar flaws in South Africa’s ability to close tight games.

This latest defeat has once again raised questions over South Africa's composure in pressure situations, an issue that has plagued them in previous ICC and high-stakes matches.

New Zealand Survive Despite Batting Stumbles

After being put into bat, New Zealand started well, with Tim Seifert and Devon Conway adding 75 for the first wicket. However, they were unable to fully capitalize on that foundation. South Africa fought back strongly, allowing only three boundaries in the last three overs of New Zealand’s innings and keeping them to 180/5 despite wickets in hand.

New Zealand’s middle order stuttered, but their bowlers made up for it. Matt Henry was the standout, both in the final and across the series. His calm under pressure and precise bowling in the death overs proved decisive.

Ngidi Impresses

For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers in the final, giving away just 24 runs in his four overs. However, his efforts went in vain as the rest of the attack faltered. South African pacers also conceded eight wides that added 13 extra runs a margin that ultimately cost them the match.

A Familiar Tale for the Proteas

South Africa again faltered when it mattered most. The inability to finish matches from strong positions remains a worrying trend. Their loss in the final after needing just seven runs from six deliveries once again highlights their struggle with composure and execution under pressure.