Zimbabwe and New Zealand are scheduled to face each other in the third match of the ongoing T20I tri-series on Friday at Harare Sports Club, Harare. The Black Caps are coming off success after securing a 21-run win over the Proteas, kicking off their campaign with a win. New Zealand held their nerve to bowl South Africa out for 152 in their chase of 173, with Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy claiming three wickets each. 

Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner also returned with 2 and 1 wickets, respectively. In the batting attack, they were assisted by a fiery knock from Tim Robinson, who registered his career-best score of 75* off 57. Debutant Bevon Jacobs made his mark by pummeling 44* off 30 to guide New Zealand to 173/5 (20).

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were toppled by South Africa in the opening match of the series. They remained unable to outmanoeuvre even more depleted Proteas amid home advantage. Barring captain Sikandar Raza, who slammed a half-century to power the side to a modest total of 141/6 in 20 overs after being asked to bat, no other player was able to make any significant contribution, leading to a defeat.

Later, their bowlers were overpowered by South African batters Rubin Hermann and Dewald Brevis, scoring 45 and 41, respectively, to hand South Africa a fabulous win. Nonetheless, Zimbabwe will hope to come out even stronger to challenge confident New Zealand. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 6

ZIM won - 0

NZ won - 6

Zimbabwe probable XI: Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

New Zealand probable XI: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy