Seifert & Ravindra Fire New Zealand to Clean Sweep Over Zimbabwe

New Zealand secured a commanding 60-run victory over hosts Zimbabwe in their final tri-series round-robin match at the Harare Sports Club, maintaining their unbeaten record ahead of the final against South Africa.

Tim Seifert remained in his purple patch, scoring 75 runs off 45 balls with his second consecutive fifty in the tournament, and Rachin Ravindra chipped in valiantly with 63 off 39 balls. The second wicket partnership of 108 between the duo took New Zealand to a staggering 190/6 in their 20 overs to a tournament high.

Sodhi Steals the Show Early

In a key strategic move, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi matched his role as a powerplay bowler with sensational impact. He picked up a career-best 4/12, becoming the second New Zealand spinner to reach 150 T20I wickets, all while bagging three of those wickets in the early powerplay overs.

Zimbabwe's reply collapsed under the pressure—reduced to 44/5 by the eighth over, the hosts managed just 130 all out in 18.5 overs, thanks to Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava grabbing 4/34 and Tony Munyonga offering some resistance with 40.

Series Position and Reaction

With the win, New Zealand finished with a perfect 4‑0 record, joining South Africa in the August 26 final. New Zealand captain: “Different guys stepping up at different times is a good thing ... gave New Zealand a selection headache ahead of the final.” He added that facing South Africa again will demand the ready execution of the plan.

What It Means

• Dominance in batting: New Zealand posted the highest tournament total (190/6) with two standout middle-order scores.
   
• Brilliant spinning: Sodhi was a new part of the powerplay bowler, and it worked wonders as Zimbabwe were shocked in the early overs.
   
• Wage fight: Zimbabwe suffered lapses in the field and a lack of discipline (seven wides, one no-ball, and dropped chances) despite the effort of Ngarava.

With the tri-series coming to an end, New Zealand enters the final of the series on Saturday with great momentum and form and is quite the favourite.