Zimbabwe’s struggles continued in the T20 Tri-Series after a 60-run defeat to New Zealand at Harare Sports Club on Thursday, sealing their fourth consecutive loss in the tournament.
Chasing a tough target of 191, the hosts were bowled out for 130 in 18.5 overs. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi did most of the damage for New Zealand, claiming 4 wickets for just 12 runs.
Earlier, Zimbabwe had put New Zealand under early pressure but failed to hold on to key chances. Tim Seifert was dropped on 13 and went on to score 75, while Rachin Ravindra added 63 to help New Zealand post 190-6—the highest total of the series so far.
Zimbabwe’s bowling had some positives, with Richard Ngarava picking up 4 wickets, but sloppy fielding and expensive overs at the death cost them.
In response, Dion Myers started well with 22, but Zimbabwe lost early wickets and never recovered. Tony Munyonga’s fighting 40 gave fans something to cheer about, but it wasn’t enough as wickets kept falling around him.
Captain Sikandar Raza admitted the team is struggling with consistency and focus.
“We keep digging ourselves into a hole. The dropped catches hurt us and we didn’t get into the game early enough,” Raza said. “But there’s no dead rubber when it comes to representing Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe end the league stage without a win, while New Zealand and South Africa move on to Saturday’s final.
