Tim Seifert's unbeaten 66 saw New Zealand make it three wins from three at the Tri-Nations Series with a seven-wicket victory over South Africa on Tuesday.

Both sides have already confirmed their places in Saturday's final following Zimbabwe's third consecutive loss, but the Black Caps ensured they stayed top of the table.

Rassie van der Dussen scored South Africa's first 14 runs before Adam Milne (2-21) sent stumps flying, though Reeza Hendricks (41) soon found his groove.

New Zealand were strong on the attack though, with George Linde (23 not out) the only other South Africa batter to score over 20, as Jacob Duffy (2-33) and Mitchell Santner (2-26) helped to limit them to 134-8.

Devon Conway (19) and Seifert managed a 51-run partnership for the first wicket as New Zealand made a steady start to the chase before the former was caught by Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

Senuran Muthusamy (2-24) attempted to fight back for South Africa, quickly dismissing both Rachin Ravindra (three) and Mark Chapman (10), but New Zealand never looked in trouble.

Daryl Mitchell (20 not out) came in to help finish off the chase, but it was Seifert who got the all-important four to take New Zealand to 135-3 and ensure South Africa's 200th T20I ended in defeat.

Three wins on the trot! Tim Seifert’s 66* propelled New Zealand to a 7-wicket victory over the Proteas.

Catch up on the scorecard at https://t.co/3YsfR1Y3Sm & the NZC App Highlights will be available on @ThreeNewZealand  #SAvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/gOpDOz0C23

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 22, 2025

Data Debrief: Black Caps break new ground

New Zealand always looked comfortable in the chase, and this result is a welcome boost for them ahead of the final, when they face South Africa once again.

The Black Caps have recorded consecutive wins against the Proteas for the first time in the history of the format, having also beaten them by 21 runs on July 16.

It was their fifth win in a row in T20Is, their longest run since a five-match span between December 2023 to January 2024, but they will already have their sights on extending that.