Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series : Ish Sodhi Wrecks Havoc With A Brilliant 4-wicket Haul In The ZIM Vs NZ Clash

In a thrilling sixth match of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, New Zealand showcased why they remain one of the most dangerous sides in white-ball cricket. On a brisk afternoon at Harare Sports Club on July 24, 2025, it was the Kiwi wrist-spinner Ish Sodhi who turned the contest on its head, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 wickets for just 12 runs. His brilliance dismantled Zimbabwe’s chase of a formidable 191-run target, leading to a resounding 60-run victory for the Black Caps.

Let’s dive deep into the drama, dominance, and dazzling display of cricket that unfolded in Harare.

Setting the Stage: New Zealand’s Commanding Total

After being put in to bat on a surface that promised pace and bounce early on but with grip for spinners later, New Zealand knew setting a strong platform would be key. Openers Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra wasted no time asserting themselves.

Seifert’s Power & Ravindra’s Poise

Tim Seifert was in a punishing mood from the outset. Pulling, cutting, and driving with disdain, the wicketkeeper-batter raced to a fiery 75 off just 45 balls. His aggressive intent rattled Zimbabwe’s pacers early, especially Blessing Muzarabani, whose usually tight lines were disrupted by Seifert’s unrelenting assault.

Rachin Ravindra, at the other end, was a picture of grace and control. His 63 off 39 balls was laced with classical strokes—drives on the up, delicate cuts, and wristy flicks that evoked memories of New Zealand’s batting greats. Together, the duo stitched a solid 104-run partnership that formed the bedrock of New Zealand’s innings.

Bracewell and Finishing Touches

Despite losing both set batters in quick succession—thanks to some spirited bowling from Richard Ngarava and Tinotenda Maposa—New Zealand maintained momentum through Michael Bracewell’s calm unbeaten 26. Cameos from Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs ensured the run rate never dipped below nine. The Kiwis closed their innings at a daunting 190/6 in 20 overs, with a run rate of 9.5.

Zimbabwe’s fielding was spirited but their bowling lacked consistency, allowing New Zealand’s batters to rotate strike and unleash boundaries at will.

Zimbabwe’s Chase: From Hope to Havoc

Facing a target of 191 on a pitch now starting to grip, Zimbabwe needed a strong, steady start. But it was New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly their spinners, who had other plans.

Enter Ish Sodhi.

Ish Sodhi’s Spell: The Turning Point

The leg-spinner entered the attack in the third over and immediately made his presence felt.

2.2 Overs – Brian Bennett Falls
With Zimbabwe at 17/1, Sodhi tossed one up just outside off to Brian Bennett. Tempted by the flight, Bennett tried to slap it through the covers but found Bevon Jacobs at extra cover. A simple catch, but a vital breakthrough that signaled the start of the collapse.
4.4 Overs – The Googly that Fooled Madande
Clive Madande walked in and was greeted by a Sodhi special—a wrong’un, pitched full outside off. Expecting turn in, Madande attempted a flamboyant inside-out drive but was deceived completely. The ball snuck past bat and pad, rattling the stumps. Zimbabwe were reeling.
6.0 Overs – Dion Myers Cleaned Up
With pressure mounting, Dion Myers looked to anchor the innings. But Sodhi’s accuracy was relentless. He drew Myers across the crease with a quicker delivery angled at the stumps. Myers misjudged the line, the ball zipped through and shattered the stumps—Zimbabwe 41/4.
13.2 Overs – Munyonga’s Resistance Ends
Tony Munyonga was the only batter showing some fight, striking a few boundaries and trying to steady the chase. But Sodhi’s final delivery of the evening was a beautifully floated ball outside off. Munyonga launched it high but didn’t get the distance. Glenn Phillips, patrolling long-off, took an easy catch. Zimbabwe were now 110/8, their fight all but extinguished.

Supporting Cast: New Zealand Bowlers Hold Firm

While Sodhi’s wizardry earned him the spotlight, the rest of New Zealand’s bowling attack complemented him brilliantly:

Matt Henry used the new ball effectively, generating swing and nipping the ball off the deck to trouble the openers.
Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra chipped in with crucial middle-over spells, keeping the pressure on and drying up boundaries.
Lockie Ferguson, with his pace and bounce, cleaned up the tail, ensuring Zimbabwe never regained any momentum.

The disciplined performance was a testament to New Zealand’s planning and execution. Every bowler bowled to a plan—tight lines, change of pace, and attacking fields—all orchestrated to perfection.

Zimbabwe’s Batting: A Story of Missed Opportunities

Only Tony Munyonga showed some spark, scoring a gritty 37 off 26. The rest of the lineup failed to counter Sodhi’s variations or build meaningful partnerships. Despite brief cameos from Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, Zimbabwe’s innings lacked rhythm and application.

What Zimbabwe needed was a solid top-order base and smart middle-order batting. But with wickets falling in clusters, the chase never got off the ground.

Score Summary

New Zealand – 190/6 (20 Overs)

Tim Seifert – 75 (45)
Rachin Ravindra – 63 (39)
Michael Bracewell – 26* (18)
Richard Ngarava – 2/29

Zimbabwe – 130 all out (18.5 Overs)

Tony Munyonga – 37 (26)
Ish Sodhi – 4/12 (4 Overs)
Lockie Ferguson – 2/27

Result: New Zealand won by 60 runs
Player of the Match: Ish Sodhi

Post-Match Reactions

Ish Sodhi (Player of the Match):

“The pitch was gripping a bit and I just tried to keep things simple. The key in T20s is to stay one step ahead of the batter, and I think I was able to do that today. Credit to the team for setting up the game with the bat.”

New Zealand Captain Glenn Phillips:

“This was a clinical performance. The way Tim and Rachin batted set the tone. Then Sodhi just came in and turned the match on its head. Really proud of how the bowlers executed under pressure.”

Zimbabwe Captain Craig Ervine:

“We were outplayed, no excuses. Chasing 190 was always tough, but losing quick wickets to someone of Sodhi’s calibre made it harder. We’ll learn and look to bounce back.”

Implications for the Tri-Series

This commanding win puts New Zealand in a strong position ahead of the final, firmly stamping their authority in the Tri-Series. With two wins under their belt, they look poised for the title clash, likely against a resurging Bangladesh side.

For Zimbabwe, this match was a wake-up call. Their middle order needs to fire, and they must find ways to counter quality spin—especially if they want to stay competitive in home conditions.

Sodhi the Sorcerer, New Zealand the Titans

This match was more than just a statistical victory; it was a statement of dominance. Ish Sodhi’s four-wicket spell will be remembered as one of the finest bowling performances in the history of Zimbabwe’s T20Is at home. Not just for the numbers, but for the timing, craft, and sheer elegance of execution.

In the heart of Harare, the Black Caps roared—and at the center of that roar was a leg-spinner spinning a web so intricate that Zimbabwe had no escape. For now, the Tri-Series belongs to New Zealand. And the magic, undoubtedly, belongs to Ish Sodhi.

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