The match between New Zealand and South Africa is going to be crucial, not only for the two playing sides but for some other World Cup teams as well. Teams like Australia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan want South Africa to win the game so they will have a better chance of ending in the Top 4. Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune will host the match and meanwhile, fans would like to know the NZ vs SA pitch report, head-to-head records of their previous World Cup matches and their last ODI match scorecard.
South Africa will enter the game after a thrilling 1-run win against Pakistan. On the other hand, New Zealand suffered a defeat in their most recent clash, played against Australia. The Kiwi side had started the tournament with 4 wins in a row but their streak came to an end when they met India in Dharamshala. Interestingly, their match against the Aussies was also played in the hillside city. Now, New Zealand will hope for a change in luck as they move to a new venue.
If New Zealand wins in Pune, they’ll reach 10 points, on par with South Africa. But a victory for Temba Bavuma’s South African team will firm their position in the Top 2 with 12 points, equaling India. This will intensify the battle for the 3rd and 4th spots as their will be multiple contender for these two spots
NZ vs SA Pitch Report
The pitch in Pune has been favorable for batting in recent Cricket World Cup matches. Teams have found it easier to chase targets, as evidenced by India chasing 256 against Bangladesh in 41 overs and Afghanistan chasing 241 against Sri Lanka in 45 overs. In the SA vs NZ match on Wednesday, the team that wins the toss may prefer to field first, considering the pitch report.
Another reason, the Pune pitch tends to favor the team batting second due to the dew factor. Dew, expected in the evening, can make it challenging for bowlers to grip the ball, benefiting the side chasing the target. If we consider the overall pitch report for the SA vs NZ match, it’s a balanced surface where both batsmen and bowlers hold the key to performing well.
NZ vs SA Head To Head in World Cup
When considering their overall head-to-head record in World Cup, New Zealand has held the upper hand over South Africa. In the history of ODI World Cup, they have played 8 matches, with New Zealand emerging winner in 6 of them. On the opposite side, the last time the Proteas secured a World Cup victory against the Kiwis was back in 1999.
- Matches Played – 8
- New Zealand Winning
- South Africa Winning – 2
ALSO READ: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pune ODI Records
New Zealand vs South Africa Last ODI Scorecard
You will be surprised to know that South Africa and New Zealand will meet in an ODI match for the first time since their 2019 World Cup clash. Their last ODI encounter took place in Birmingham, where Kane Williamson’s century led the Blackcaps to a win in 49-over per side match.
| South Africa : 241-6 (49) | New Zealand : 245-6 (48.3) |
| Rassie van der Dussen : 67(64) | Kane Williamson : 106(138) |
| Hashim Amla : 55(83) | Colin de Grandhomme : 60(47) |
| Aiden Markram : 38(55) | Martin Guptill : 35(59) |
| Lockie Ferguson : 10 – 0 – 59 – 3 | Chris Morris : 10 – 0 – 49 – 3 |
| Colin de Grandhomme : 10 – 0 – 33 – 1 | Kagiso Rabada : 10 – 0 – 42 – 1 |
| Mitchell Santner : 9 – 0 – 45 – 1 | Lungi Ngidi : 10 – 1 – 47 – 1 |