Tim Robinson Harare Heroics: Career-Best 75 Powers NZ Past South Africa*
Tim Robinson Harare magic came alive under the Zimbabwean sun as he delivered his finest T20I innings to date, scoring a masterful 75* off 57 balls and guiding New Zealand to a 21-run victory over South Africa in their latest T20I triseries match in Harare. Tim Robinson Harare
It was a knock built not just on timing and patience, but — as the man himself light-heartedly claimed — on steak. “I love all the steaks. That’s my favourite. I love the red meat over here; it’s fantastic,” Robinson chuckled during the post-match press conference. Tim Robinson Harare
But behind the light tone was a serious, match-winning effort. Coming in at No. 3 early in the innings after New Zealand had slipped to 27/1, Robinson found himself at the crease during a tricky phase. The Kiwis lost four wickets in quick succession — 43 runs in 40 balls — before Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs turned things around with an unbroken 103-run stand.
A Mature, Match-Winning Innings
Robinson didn’t just steady the ship — he commandeered it. His 75 not out included a measured mix of boundaries and well-run twos, striking at over 130 without ever seeming rushed. His awareness of the match situation was key: he ensured wickets weren’t lost in clumps, while rotating strike and attacking when needed. Tim Robinson Harare
Speaking about the innings, Robinson said, “We were struggling when we lost those early wickets. Me and Bev [Bevon Jacobs] just thought about taking it deep. The longer we spent out there, the easier it became.” Tim Robinson Harare
It’s the kind of composed cricket that sets a tone — not just for the innings, but for a series. And for someone like Robinson, who is still cementing his place in the international side, this was a performance that will be remembered. Tim Robinson Harare
Debut Delight: Bevon Jacobs Impresses
If Robinson was the calm presence, Jacobs was the power. Making his international debut, the 23-year-old scored an unbeaten 44 off just 30 balls, hitting big when needed and showing plenty of composure. The Pretoria-born allrounder — who had recently signed with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL but hadn’t featured — finally made his mark. Tim Robinson Harare
“He’s quite big, and you think he should hit a big ball, and he sure does,” Robinson said. “He was very calm and looked to really enjoy it.”
Their partnership helped New Zealand reach 173/5 — a competitive score given the pitch and pressure. Tim Robinson Harare
South Africa’s Struggle in the Chase
In reply, South Africa couldn’t build momentum. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy picked up three wickets each as the Proteas stumbled to 152 all out in 18.2 overs. There were some starts, but no one carried through the innings like Robinson did. Tim Robinson Harare
The Proteas’ batting lineup looked brittle once early wickets fell. The absence of any significant middle-order resistance was glaring, especially against the disciplined Kiwi bowling.
Crowd Cheers and Changing Loyalties
Interestingly, the local Zimbabwean crowd in Harare seemed to rally behind New Zealand rather than the Proteas. Robinson had a theory about that, saying, “My theory is it’s a testament to the way we want to play our cricket and treat others.” Tim Robinson Harare
But the more cynical — and perhaps truthful — view is that Zimbabweans, long frustrated by a lack of meaningful cricketing interaction with South Africa, were simply enjoying watching someone else beat their powerful southern neighbor. Tim Robinson Harare
South Africa last toured Zimbabwe in 2014, a fact not lost on fans or administrators.
A Taste for the Moment
Robinson’s grounded mindset — “be where your feet are” — was evident throughout the match. Whether he was stabilizing the innings, supporting a debutant, or soaking in applause from fans he’d never met before, he played the game with clarity and class. Tim Robinson Harare
As he put it: “It’s a great feeling contributing to a win for your country — an addicting feeling that I hope to replicate.”
The crowd in Harare will be hoping to see him replicate it again — perhaps even on Friday, when Zimbabwe takes on New Zealand. Tim Robinson Harare
What’s Next?
New Zealand, with momentum on their side, will look to carry forward the energy into the rest of the tri-series. South Africa, meanwhile, must regroup quickly and address their middle-order woes.
As for Robinson — with a bat in one hand and perhaps a T-bone in the other — he seems ready to take on whatever comes next. Tim Robinson Harare
For more updates, follow Cricmind on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
