The Black Caps batted first at the Harare Sports Club and posted a competitive 173/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Tim Robinson was the standout performer with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 75 off 57 balls, while Bevon Jacobs chipped in with a valuable 44* off 30 deliveries.

The Kiwis found themselves in trouble at 70/5, but a superb unbeaten 103-run partnership between Robinson and Jacobs guided them to a strong total.

Kwena Maphaka - Zimbabwe Cricket

Teenager Kwena Maphaka was the pick of the South African bowlers, finishing with 2/38 in his four overs. Debutant Senuran Muthusamy impressed with figures of 1/19 from his full quota, while Lungi Ngidi and Gerald Coetzee also claimed a wicket each.

In reply, South Africa started strong with the bat, but a lack of meaningful partnerships and some poor shot selection saw them bowled out for 152 with 10 balls remaining.

Lhuan-Dré Pretorius got the Proteas off to a brisk start, scoring 27 off 17 balls before being caught behind off Matt Henry with the score on 34/1 in the fourth over.

Dewald Brevis top-scored with a quickfire 35 off 18, while George Linde showed good intent with his 30 off 20. However, no other South African batter managed to trouble the scorers.

Jacob Duffy led the way with the ball for New Zealand, claiming 3/20 in four overs. Henry backed him up with 3/34 from 3.2 overs. Spinner Ish Sodhi returned 2/34, while captain Mitchell Santner chipped in with one wicket.

Tim Robinson - Zimbabwe Cricket

Speaking after the game, Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince said the team’s inability to build partnerships cost them in the chase.

“No, I thought it was gettable – it was a good pitch,” said the former Proteas batter.

“We lost a few early wickets and that put us under pressure. We managed to get something going while Dewald Brevis was out there, and there was always a chance.

“But we just kept losing wickets throughout and eventually fell short.”

Prince emphasised that the side is still young and developing, and that these experiences are crucial for their growth.

“Look, the nature of T20 cricket is that it can go either way,” he added.

“They’ve got a good side, and so do we. Ours is fairly young. We never really found rhythm with the bat, especially at the top of the order – and that’s quite key when chasing. You need to get some sort of flow going in the batting line-up.”

South Africa will face Zimbabwe again on Sunday at 13:00 in Harare.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport