🏏 Zimbabwe vs New Zealand: Cricket, Combacks, and Crazy Moments!
Have you been keeping an eye on the T20 Tri-Series happening in Zimbabwe? Let me tell you—New Zealand just put on a show, handing Zimbabwe a big eight-wicket win in Harare. It was like a roller coaster at your favorite amusement park—wild, fast, and totally epic.
Today we’ll check out how the game went, why it was awesome, and why this rivalry keeps giving us unforgettable moments. Let’s play!
🔥 The Latest Showdown: Harare, July 18, 2025
Match: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – Third match of the Tri-Series
Venue: Harare Sports Club
Type: Twenty20 International (20 overs per side)
⚔ India of the Game: The Final Score
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Zimbabwe: 120/7 in 20 overs
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New Zealand: 122/2 in just 13.5 overs
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Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets—with 37 balls to spare! ESPN.com+7ESPN Cricinfo+7The Indian Express+7NDTV Sports+2ZimLive+2The Indian Express+2NZ Herald+5ESPN Cricinfo+5The Indian Express+5
It was total dominance—New Zealand paused the clock and chased the target in under 14 overs. Boom.
🎯 How It Happened: Breaking Down the Action
1. Zimbabwe’s Batting Struggle
Zimbabwe posted a modest 120, lifted by skipper Wessly Madhevere (36) and Brian Bennett (21). But then the game flipped:
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Kiwi bowlers—Matt Henry (3/26) and Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell—took wickets one after another Cricbuzz+7Kyabram Free Press+7NDTV Sports+7.
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Zimbabwe lost six wickets for just 37 runs at one point. That slammed the brakes on any momentum ESPN.comZimLive.
2. Conway and Crew Cruise
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Evergreen Devon Conway, the calm warrior, scored 59 not out off 40 balls, surviving some tight moments early on YouTube+15Kyabram Free Press+15ESPN.com+15.
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Rachin Ravindra added a brisk 30 off 19 balls—including three boundaries in a row—to help kill the chase ESPN.com+4Kyabram Free Press+4NDTV Sports+4.
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They both anchored while Daryl Mitchell chipped in with quick runs. The result? 122/2 in 13.5 overs—too easy for the Black Caps NDTV Sports+1The Indian Express+1.
Together, Conway and Ravindra built a fantastic partnership of nearly 60 runs that did the job.
🌟 Star Players of the Match
🐐 Devon Conway (NZ)
He was the Player of the Match. Even after surviving a dropped catch, he calmly built his innings and sealed the victory ESPN.com+10Kyabram Free Press+10ESPN.com+10.
🎯 Matt Henry (NZ)
His 3 wickets for 26 stopped Zimbabwe from gaining momentum, and his bowling was sharp and aggressive ZimLive+6Kyabram Free Press+6NDTV Sports+6.
⭐ Rachin Ravindra (NZ)
That explosive 30 off 19 balls was the perfect spark to take the chase home—quick and efficient.
📊 What the Stats Say
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Zimbabwe 120/7 – middle-order collapse cost them big.
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NZ 122/2 in 13.5 overs – finished early and dominant.
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Conway and Ravindra put on 59 runs off just 44 balls.
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New Zealand is now unbeaten in the series with two wins from two matches ESPN.com+7NZ Herald+7ZimLive+7Ground News+6The Indian Express+6ESPN Cricinfo+6Ground News+2ESPN.com+2Kyabram Free Press+2Ground News+2Kyabram Free Press+2NDTV Sports+2.
🔍 Why This Match Was Awesome
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Huge comeback by NZ: 120 might seem small, but chasing it that fast is pure skill.
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Smart bowling: New Zealand’s bowlers kept it tight. Zimbabwe hitters didn’t break free.
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Calculated chase: No panic, no drama—just smart batting.
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Young stars shining: Ravindra’s fireworks were electric, Conway’s captaincy through runs was inspiring.
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Team unity: Fielding was sharp, bowlers supported each other, and batters kept it cool.
🕰 A Rivalry with History
This series isn’t just about today. NZ has toured Zimbabwe before—like in 2016, winning Test series 2‑0 Wikipedia. And in 2011, Zimbabwe’s great Brendan Taylor scored back-to-back ODI hundreds against the Kiwis—but still ended up on the losing side Wikipedia.
So every time they meet, it’s not just a match—but a chapter in a long story.
🗓 What’s Next?
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The series continues: Zimbabwe need two wins from their next two games (against NZ and South Africa) to even think about the final ESPN.comWikipedia.
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Meanwhile, New Zealand’s confidence is sky-high, with key squad players like Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, and Daryl Mitchell coming in YouTube+15NZ Herald+15The Indian Express+15.
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Then, in late July–August, the Black Caps return to Zimbabwe to play two Test matches—so there’s more cross-format excitement to come NZ Herald+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5.
🤔 What Kids (and You!) Should Watch For
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Matt Henry’s bowling action: Fun to mimic in the backyard.
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Conway’s calm chase: Great model for staying cool under pressure.
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Ravindra’s power hitting: Super satisfying to watch.
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Field creativity: They slid, dove, backed each other up—it was teamwork!
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Series dynamics: Can Zimbabwe bounce back? Or will NZ sweep on home soil?
🎯 Takeaway for Young Fans
This match is a perfect example of cricket’s highs and lows:
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Risk pays off: Bold bowling and smart batting can change the game.
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Mistakes cost runs: Zimbabwe’s middle-order collapse—ouch.
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Patience wins: Conway and Ravindra rode the pressure and finished the job.
If you’re trying to get better at sports—or even schoolwork—this match tells you: don’t panic, stay focused, and work with your team.
🔮 Ready for the Next Chapter?
The next match against South Africa will show if Zimbabwe can step up. NZ will look to stay unbeaten. This tri-series is turning into one to watch.
Plus, when the Kiwis return for Test matches, we’ll see long-format battle—hat’s off to stamina!
✅ Final Thoughts
New Zealand just stamped their authority in Harare with a brilliant win—smart bowling, calm batting, icy nerves. They’re showing they aren’t just favourites, but champions in the making.
Zimbabwe—a tough home side—fought hard but couldn’t hold the middle. Now they’re in a corner and need something special next time.
For us, the takeaway is huge: stay sharp, work together, and never give up.
Ready to watch the replay highlights or catch commentary? Type in the YouTube ID or check sports channels. Let’s keep cheering NZ and Zimbabwe wherever you sit—maybe in your backyard or schoolyard!
Game on! 🏏
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