NZ Vs RSA, T20I Tri-Series Final: New Zealand Clinch Title With Dramatic Win Over South Africa

New Zealand claimed a dramatic three-run victory over South Africa to win a thrilling Tri-Nations Series final in Harare on Saturday.

It all went down to the final ball, with South Africa needing four to get the victory over the line, but the Black Caps' discipline shone through as they clinched the victory.

Tim Seifert (30) and Devon Conway (47) put together a 75-run partnership for the first wicket as New Zealand got off to a steady start, before Senuran Muthusamy (1-27) ended their stand in the ninth over.

Rachin Ravindra (47) also came close to a half-century, but the rest of the order failed to build on their early momentum, with Daryl Mitchell (16 not out) and Michael Bracewell (15) the only others to hit double figures.

New Zealand set a target of 180-5, though it looked like it might be an easy chase after a strong Proteas start.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored 51 off 35 balls as he combined for 92 on the first wicket with Reeze Hendricks (37) before Seifert stumped him in the 10th over.

Hendricks followed shortly after, and South Africa's momentum stalled when Rassie van der Dussen (18) and Rubin Hermann (11) were dismissed one after the other at the end of the 15th and start of the 16th overs.

Matt Henry (2-19) then struck twice in the final over to get Dewald Brevis (31) and George Linde (10) out, and with South Africa needing a four off the final ball, Muthusamy failed to make contact with Henry's delivery, handing the win to the Black Caps as they finished just short on 177-6.

Data Debrief: New Zealand stay perfect

New Zealand won all five of their matches at the Tri-Nations Series this year, including all three against South Africa, though they had to work hard for it.

In fact, they have now won nine of their last 10 T20Is (L1), including each of the last seven. It is their longest such streak since July to August 2022 (also nine matches).

This victory also ended their wait for a win in a final as the Black Caps had lost their last three tournament showpieces, including one in the final of the Tri-Nations Series last year against Pakistan.