SA Vs NZ, Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025: Tim Robinson Stars As New Zealand Beat South Africa By 21 Runs

New Zealand made a flying start to their Tri-Nations Series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, as Tim Robinson's unbeaten 75 propelled them to victory against the Proteas.

Playing their first T20I since Rob Walter took over as head coach last month, the Black Caps eased to a 21-run victory over South Africa, who had comfortably beaten hosts Zimbabwe 48 hours previously.

Robinson stayed steady as the wickets tumbled around him early in New Zealand's innings. They were dropped to 69-4 as Devon Conway (nine), Daryl Mitchell (five), and Mitchell Hay (two) all failed to reach double figures. 

But Robinson – who only managed one half-century in his first 10 20-over outings – was at the crease for 17 of New Zealand's 20 overs, plundering 75 off 57 deliveries.

That total included a 103-run stand for the sixth wicket alongside Bevon Jacobs, who also made it to the end unbeaten on 44.

That ensured the Black Caps posted a par score of 173-5. Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed 27 from the first 3.1 overs to tee up the chase, but then guided Matt Henry's delivery to wicketkeeper Tim Seifert. 

That was the first of three wickets for Henry (3-34), with only Jacob Duffy bettering his total with figures of 3-20, while Ish Sodhi captured 2-34.

Only Dewald Brevis (35) and George Linde (30) offered any resistance in the Proteas' middle order, but the former was caught by Mitchell and the latter dispatched by Duffy, as New Zealand triumphed with 10 balls in hand.

Data Debrief: Robinson and Jacobs power Black Caps

There was little to separate the batting units during the first halves of their respective innings, but Robinson's partnership with Jacobs made the difference for New Zealand.

Their 103-run stand was the Black Caps' second-best for the sixth wicket in T20Is, after Mitchell and Michael Bracewell teamed up for 105 versus Sri Lanka last year.

Robinson's previous best score in the format was 51 against Pakistan in April 2024, with six fours and three sixes counting towards Wednesday's tally.