Matt Henry defends 7 runs in last over! New Zealand clinch thriller to win tri-series | Cricket News

New Zealand secured a dramatic three-run victory against South Africa in the final match of the tri-series in Harare, Zimbabwe on Saturday, thanks to two spectacular catches by Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell in the last over bowled by Matt Henry. The Black Caps, who posted 180-5 with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra both scoring 47, remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.Henry emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets in four games, maintaining his composure in the crucial final over where he conceded just three runs. The dramatic finish came after Dewald Brevis brought South Africa within striking distance by hitting two sixes against Jacob Duffy in the 19th over.South Africa’s chase began impressively with Lhuan-dre Pretorius scoring 51 and Reeza Hendricks contributing 37 in a 92-run opening partnership. However, they lost momentum after losing four wickets for 39 runs in the middle overs.Pretorius, playing his first notable innings of the tournament, hit two sixes and five fours before being stumped by Tim Seifert off Bracewell’s bowling. Hendricks, van der Dussen, and Hermann were all caught in the outfield, leaving South Africa needing 50 runs from 29 balls.“It is a game of millimeters,” van der Dussen said. “The whole series was about trying things and experimenting a bit, and today settling on our strongest possible combination. We played a pretty good game.”

New Zealand’s innings was anchored by strong performances from Conway and Ravindra, while Seifert contributed 30 runs. The opening partnership between Seifert and Conway provided a solid foundation with 52 runs in the powerplay.South Africa’s bowling attack, featuring Lungi Ngidi who took 2-24, along with effective spells from Nandre Burger and Kwena Maphaka, restricted New Zealand’s scoring in the final overs. Ravindra’s innings, which included two sixes and four fours, ended with a catch at deep mid-wicket.“Guys stepped up at different occasions…that is outstanding,” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said. “The guys were ready and clear on how to operate and that makes it easier.”The match concluded with two remarkable catches in the final over. Bracewell’s catch at mid-wicket boundary dismissed the dangerous Brevis for 31, while Mitchell’s full-length dive at long-on removed George Linde, securing victory for New Zealand.Zimbabwe, the host nation, finished the tournament without a win, losing all four matches, while New Zealand maintained their perfect record throughout the series.The game featured notable bowling performances from South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy, who claimed 1-27, and saw van der Dussen take a superb catch at short cover to dismiss Seifert.