Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Match Prediction, 3rd T20I – Who will win today's match between ZIM vs SA?

Zimbabwe and New Zealand. (Photo source: X)

Zimbabwe (ZIM) face New Zealand (NZ) in match No. 3 of the ongoing tri-series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday, July 18.

Zimbabwe lost their opening fixture against South Africa earlier this week by five wickets. They couldn't recover from a slow start with the bat and despite the best efforts of captain Sikandar Raza, they only made 141/6 in their 20 overs. In reply, South Africa reached the total with five wickets and 25 balls to spare.

On the other hand, New Zealand started their campaign with a 21-run win against South Africa. Tim Robinson's gritty 75 not out hand Bevon Jacobs' crucial unbeaten 44 on debut helped the Kiwis finish on 173/5. In the second innings, the Proteas were bowled out for 152 in 18.2 overs.

Match Details

Match	Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, Match 3, Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025
Venue	Harare Sports Club
Date & Time	Friday, July 18, 4:30 pm (IST)
Live Broadcast and Streaming Details	FanCode (app & website)

Pitch Report

In the first two games, the average first-innings score has been 157. The new ball has swung around for the first couple of overs. However, the spinner have come into action in the middle overs. Hitting the big shots from ball one hasn't been easy at the venue.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played	6
Won By Zimbabwe	0
Won By New Zealand	6
No Result	0
First-ever Fixture	May 4, 2010
Most-recent Fixture	August 9, 2015

Predicted Playing XIs Zimbabwe (ZIM):

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 (NZ): Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, James Neesham, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

Probable Top Performers Probable Best Batter: Sikandar Raza Sikandar Raza. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Sikandar Raza scored a valiant 54 not out off 38 balls in the first T20I against South Africa, hitting three fours and two sixes. If the top-order batters can get Zimbabwe off to a good start and give Raza a platform, he can do a lot of damage with his ability to hit shots all around the ground.

Probable Best Bowler: Jacob Duffy

Jacob Duffy (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Jacob Duffy has a great ability to take wickets, especially in the shortest format. Against South Africa, he was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figurs of 3/20 in four overs. The right-arm seamer would look to give the Black Caps some early wickets with the new ball.

Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match

Scenario 1

• Zimbabwe win the toss and opt to bat first.
• Powerplay: 35-45
• ZIM: 140-150
• New Zealand win the match.

Scenario 2

• New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first.
• Powerplay: 45-55
• NZ: 170-180
• New Zealand win the match.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.