Tim Seifert scored an unbeaten 66. (File pic.) Photo: Photosport
The Black Caps have kept up their winning run in their T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe with a seven-wicket win over South Africa in Harare.
It's their second win in two matches against South Africa and their third at the tournament, with a victory over Zimbabwe also in the locker.
It was the bowlers who set up Wednesday's victory and opening bat Tim Seifert who rammed home the advantage with an unbeaten 66.
The New Zealanders play Zimbabwe on Thursday and then take on South Africa in the final on Saturday.
It was no surprise when captain Mitch Santner decided to bowl first as the team batting second had won two of the first three games. Zac Foulkes and Will O'Rourke replaced Matt Henry and Bevon Jacobs in the two changes from the eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe.
Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner (right). Photo: www.photosport.nz
They limited South Africa to 134 for eight in their 20 overs, with Adam Milne impressing with his two for 21 in his four overs, Santner taking 2-26 and Jacob Duffy 2-33. Foulkes didn't give away runs, his three overs costing just 12 runs.
South Africa couldn't get partnerships going on the dry wicket, with a sixth-wicket 30 their best effort. Only Reeza Hendricks with 41 and George Linde with 23 not out got over 20.
Seifert was lucky to survive the first over of the Black Caps innings, when he was dropped in the deep by Andile Simelane.
He rode his luck with a couple of close shaves, but he and fellow opener Devon Conway looked assured as they put their side well on their way to victory with a 51-run partnership, before Conway was out for 19.
Although Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman fell cheaply, Seifert continued on his merry way, hitting a huge six to bring up his 50 and teamed up with Daryl Mitchell to get his side home in the 16th over.
Seifert hit two sixes and six boundaries in his 48-ball innings.
He said the bowlers made it easier for the batters, who benefited from batting second on a tricky wicket.
"On the whole, I think the bowlers have been outstanding this tri-series.
"And for us batters, it's always nice batting second on a wicket like that.''
The bowlers were backed up by a fine effort in the field.
"That is one thing that (coach) Rob Walter has pushed for us to be outstanding, in the field.
"Fielding is an attitude thing, one that you can control as an individual.''
Seifert said that while the two teams had already qualified for the final, the focus for the Black Caps would now be on the Zimbabwe game tomorrow.
