DD India

The ICC World Cup 2023 is set to showcase an eagerly anticipated day-night clash between two leading teams, New Zealand and South Africa, on November 1, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Both teams have put up strong performances in the tournament so far, adding even more excitement to this matchup.

New Zealand had a robust start in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, securing victories in their first four matches. However, they encountered setbacks, losing two games against India and Australia. The likes of Afghanistan and Pakistan have also shown their mettle, making it imperative for the Black Caps to thwart the Proteas from extending their lead. Although New Zealand narrowly lost to India and Australia, they cannot afford further losses at this critical stage of the tournament. To clinch the trophy, the Kiwis must excel in these closely contested matches, and today’s fixture promises just that.

Head-to-head records: New Zealand vs South Africa

These two teams have faced each other in 71 ODIs to date. South Africa has emerged victorious in 41 of those encounters, while New Zealand has secured 25 wins. Five matches ended without a result. When it comes to World Cups, however, the scales tip significantly in favor of the Black Caps, as they have not suffered defeat at the hands of South Africa in the last 24 years.

In the eight World Cup matches they’ve played, New Zealand has won six, while the Proteas have claimed victory in two. The Kiwis triumphed twice using the DLS method (in 2003 and 2015), thrice while chasing (in 1992, 2007, and 2019), and once when setting the target (in 2011). South Africa secured victories in 1996 and 1999.

New Zealand is acutely aware that a loss in this match will cast a shadow of uncertainty over their chances of reaching the semi-finals, as both Pakistan and Afghanistan are determined to secure a spot in the top four. We predict a New Zealand win, especially if they bat first, as the Proteas’ batting second in this tournament has raised concerns about their chasing skills.

NZ vs SA squad

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c/wk), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson/Tim Southee

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi