Tri-Nation Series 2025: Devon Conway’s fifty headlines New Zealand’s win against Zimbabwe

New Zealand made it two in two at the Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series, securing a comprehensive eight-wicket win over hosts Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, July 18, in the third T20I of the series. Following their 21-run win over South Africa, the Kiwis looked in top form once again, comfortably chasing down a 121-run target with 37 balls to spare.

Coming into the match off a win against the Proteas, New Zealand made four changes to their XI, bringing back Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, and Adam Milne, who returned after featuring in the MLC final. Despite losing the tournament opener, Zimbabwe made just one change, bringing in Tinotenda Maposa for Wellington Masakadza. Notably, the BlackCaps, who had won all six previous T20Is against Zimbabwe, added another victory to their tally.

After being asked to bat first by Mitchell Santner, the hosts failed to capitalise on the opportunity to post a big total. Opener Wessly Madhevere top-scored with 36 off 32, while Brian Bennett chipped in with 21. However, the rest of the batting order struggled to contribute. Matt Henry was the wrecker in chief with the ball as he finished with figures of 3/26, along with Santner, Ravindra, Bracewell, and Milne, all picking one wicket each. Zimbabwe managed just 120/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, New Zealand lost Tim Seifert early, but Devon Conway and Ravindra steadied the ship with a 59-run stand for the second wicket. Ravindra smashed 30 off just 19 balls before falling to Maposa. Conway went on to score an unbeaten 59 off 40 deliveries, lacing his knock with four boundaries and two sixes.

Daryl Mitchell played a quickfire knock of 26* off 19 balls as New Zealand reached 122/2 in just 13.5 overs, registering their second win of the series and holding the pole position in the tally.