Tim Robinson Shines with Career-Best Knock as New Zealand Beat South Africa in T20 Tri-Series

In a thrilling display of cricket, Tim Robinson emerged as the standout player in New Zealand's recent Twenty20 tri-series match against South Africa held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on July 16, 2025.

Robinson crafted an unbeaten innings of 75 runs off 57 balls, marking his career-best T20 International score. Alongside debutant Bevon Jacobs who contributed a lively 44 off 30 balls, the pair forged a crucial unbeaten partnership of 103 runs that propelled New Zealand to a competitive total of 173 for 5 wickets, after a precarious position of 70 for 5 in the 10th over.

This partnership effectively turned the match around, earning New Zealand a 21-run victory over a strong South African side. The New Zealand captain, Mitchell Santner, praised the "outstanding" partnership, emphasizing how Robinson and Jacobs adapted on what was considered a good pitch for batting.

South Africa started promisingly, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius hitting 27 runs including six boundaries. However, the tide turned as New Zealand's fast bowlers, Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry, shared six wickets between them, bowling South Africa out for 152 runs in just 18.2 overs. Duffy finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 20 runs, while Henry took 3 wickets for 34 runs.

Robinson's innings was adorned with a memorable six against South African debutant Coetzee, who was making his return after injury. Robinson's composed and innovative batting not only steadied the innings but also capitalized in the final overs to set a par total for the visitors.

This win marks a significant moment in New Zealand's campaign in the tri-series and highlights Tim Robinson's rising stature in international cricket, with the performance sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike.

The match also marked coach Rob Walter's first game in charge, adding to the positive momentum for New Zealand ahead in the series.