The two teams will once again face each other in the New Zealand-Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series, this time in the fifth and final group-stage match, and then they will clash in the final later this week. Although both teams have already qualified for the final, there is no shortage of competition when the two teams take the field on Tuesday, July 22, at 4:30 PM IST in Harare.
Let’s see what the spectators and fantasy players can expect from this match and make a strong and unique Dream11 team based on the recent form of the players, pitch report, and team news.
Match Overview: New Zealand vs South Africa
- Match: New Zealand vs South Africa, 5th T20I – Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025
- Date: July 22, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Time: 4:30 PM IST
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Streaming: FanCode (India)
Form and momentum
New Zealand have looked a strong and complete team in every aspect of the tri-series. Despite missing several key players in the previous matches, their depth has dominated the series. Young players like Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs have made the most of the opportunities, and the senior core of the team – Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner – have also looked in good form.
On the other hand, South Africa have been experimenting a lot with their team. They have brought in several young players including Rubin Hermann and Corbin Bosch, and although they beat Zimbabwe quite badly, they lost against the Kiwis in their last encounter. The top order has been a concern, with Luan-Dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks not performing well so far.
Still, this match is a great opportunity for both teams to try out combinations ahead of the final.
Pitch and Conditions – Harare Sports Club
The pitch in Harare looks a little slow and could be difficult for the batsmen, especially in the beginning. The fast bowlers have had some success with the new ball, but in the middle overs, the spinners have controlled the pace of the game. And in this series, chasing on this pitch has been a little easier.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 151
- Chasing Teams Win %: High (Most wins this series came while chasing)
- Weather: Partly cloudy, slight chance of rain, temperature around 20°C
If the forecast holds, there could be some help for bowlers, especially under cloudy conditions.
Head-to-Head (T20Is)
- Matches Played: 16
- New Zealand Wins: 5
- South Africa Wins: 11
While the historical head-to-head favors South Africa, New Zealand have had the upper hand in this series, including a solid win over SA in their earlier meeting where they defended 173 and won by 21 runs.
Players to watch: NZ vs SA
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – One of the best all-rounders in this series. He has contributed well with both bat and ball and has shown the ability to control the batting in the middle overs. Can be a good choice for captain in Dream11.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) – Bowls brilliantly with the ball and can also contribute with the bat. The Harare pitch suits his style and he has taken wickets along with being economical.
Dewald Brevis (South Africa) – Explosive and dangerous batsman. His strike rate in the series has been more than 200 and he can change the course of the match in just a few overs. Can be a strong option as vice-captain.
Corbin Bosch (South Africa) – Gives his best with bowling and also bats brilliantly. A valuable fantasy pick.
Devon Conway (NZ) – Provides stability in the top order, and has given crucial starts in this series. His consistency makes him a safe choice in any fantasy team.
Matt Henry (NZ) – With the pitch being slightly favourable to the pacers, he can be a threat to the other team early on. He took crucial wickets in the powerplay in the earlier matches.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand
Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Adam Milne, William O’Rourke
South Africa
Luan-Dre Pretorius (wicketkeeper), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Nkaba Peter
Dream11 Team & Fantasy Tips: NZ vs SA, 5th T20I
Small Leauge
Grand Leauge
Wicketkeepers
- Rubin Hermann
- Devon Conway
Batters
- Rachin Ravindra (C)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Dewald Brevis (VC)
All-Rounders
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner
- Corbin Bosch
- George Linde
Bowlers
- Matt Henry
- Lungi Ngidi
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Rachin Ravindra – contributes in both departments, safe pick
- Vice-Captain: Dewald Brevis – in explosive form and high-scoring potential
Budget & Top Picks
- Best Budget Pick: Rubin Hermann – affordable wicketkeeper who’s in decent touch
- Top Premium Pick: Rachin Ravindra – worth the investment due to his dual role
- Differential Pick: William O’Rourke (if he plays) – can surprise with a few early wickets
Match Prediction: New Zealand vs South Africa
South Africa have performed brilliantly in the series, but New Zealand look in a better position. Their bowling has been more dangerous, and their batting has been more consistent. While South Africa is experimenting and preparing for the final, New Zealand will prepare and strengthen on what they have done so far in the previous matches.
If the weather is a bit bad and the pitch is also slow, then spinners like Santner and Bracewell can come into play. South Africa will need a big batsman like Brevis or Harman to be in form to win this match.
Match Prediction: NZ vs SA
New Zealand will win
Final Words
This match may not have any impact on the series, but it is still important for both teams. The momentum before the final cannot be underestimated. For fantasy players, this is a great opportunity to pick tried and tested players, as well as place informed bets on emerging names.
Keep an eye on the toss, especially if the weather is overcast. And make any last-minute changes in Dream11 based on your predetermined playing XI.
Enjoy the game, and good luck with your fantasy picks!
Also Read- The most educated cricketer in India- Top 12 Indian Players List
