The stakes will be high when New Zealand and South Africa clash in the 32nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday, November 1. This highly anticipated matchup between two cricketing powerhouses could have major implications as both teams eye a spot in the semi-finals.
Having faced off in high-stakes tournaments before, these familiar foes are no strangers to each other. New Zealand has come out on top against South Africa in previous final matchups, winning the 2015 Cricket World Cup and 2019 Rugby World Cup. The Proteas are eager to flip the script this time.
The Black Caps flew out of the gates with four consecutive victories but have since hit a speed bump with two straight defeats. Similarly, the Proteas began their campaign strongly before the Netherlands pulled off a stunning upset against them. With semi-final positions on the line, both teams recognize the importance of securing a win today.
Expect an intense, high-stakes contest between two talented squads vying to keep their World Cup dreams alive. This New Zealand versus South Africa match has all the elements of a classic in the making.
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New Zealand Overview
After a dream 4-0 start against England, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, the wheels have since come off for New Zealand. Back-to-back losses to title contenders India and Australia have seen the Black Caps stumble down to third position with eight points.
Against Australia, New Zealand suffered a heartbreaking five-run loss while chasing what would have been a record World Cup total. The Kiwi bowlers, particularly Trent Boult and Matt Henry, have struggled in recent matches and will need to find form against South Africa’s aggressive batting lineup.
The batting has been led by opener Rachin Ravindra’s 406 runs and Daryl Mitchell’s 322 runs. With captain Kane Williamson likely returning, the batting unit will be confident of posting a big total if they bat first.
South Africa Overview
South Africa began their World Cup with big wins over Sri Lanka and Australia before a shock loss to the Netherlands – similar to their early exit from the T20 World Cup. But they bounced back with convincing victories against England, Bangladesh and a tight one-wicket triumph over Pakistan.
With Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen in blistering form, South Africa have scored three of the six highest totals in the tournament so far. Their batting depth makes them one of the most dangerous lineups at the World Cup.
The Proteas are without injured fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala. Kagiso Rabada missed the Pakistan match but could return against New Zealand. Captain Temba Bavuma is fit again after missing two games due to illness and will likely open the batting.
New Zealand vs. South Africa Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand:
- Devon Conway,
- Will Young,
- Kane Williamson (c),
- Tom Latham (wk),
- Daryl Mitchell,
- Glenn Phillips,
- James Neesham,
- Mitchell Santner,
- Tim Southee,
- Lockie Ferguson,
- Trent Boult
Expected Starting XI for South Africa:
- Quinton de Kock (wk),
- Temba Bavuma (c),
- Rassie van der Dussen,
- Aiden Markram,
- David Miller,
- Heinrich Klaasen,
- Wayne Parnell,
- Keshav Maharaj,
- Kagiso Rabada,
- Anrich Nortje,
- Tabraiz Shamsi
New Zealand are set to welcome back veteran skipper Kane Williamson, who missed the last two matches due to injury. South Africa could hand a return to star pacer Kagiso Rabada after he sat out the Pakistan encounter. Both teams boast power-packed XIs and will likely retain the same lineups that got them this far into the tournament.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
New Zealand vs. South Africa Head-to-Head
In 71 completed ODI matches between them, South Africa have historically had the upper hand over the Black Caps. The Proteas lead the head-to-head 41 wins to New Zealand’s 25, with five no results.
However, New Zealand have turned the tide in recent major tournaments. At the 2015 ODI World Cup, New Zealand famously beat South Africa in a thrilling semi-final en route to making the final. Four years later, the Black Caps eliminated the Proteas in the 2019 World Cup semis via DLS method.
Most recently at the 2021 T20 World Cup, New Zealand came out on top against the Proteas in another close match. South Africa will be eager to reverse this recent trend of tournament losses to the Kiwis. But New Zealand have proven to be a thorn in their side at ICC events.
Given both teams’ recent form and star-studded XIs, another tight contest is expected. But South Africa’s superior head-to-head record in ODIs gives them a slight edge.
Weather & Pitch Report
The match will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The weather forecast predicts temperatures around 29-32°C with low humidity. Clear skies are expected throughout the day.
The pitch at Pune is usually an excellent one for batting, with teams regularly posting scores in excess of 300. It offers true bounce and even pace allowing batsmen to play through the line. Spinners can extract turn later in the innings.
In the five ODIs at the venue this year, the average first innings score is an imposing 307. Chasing teams have won three of the matches, proving it’s a balanced surface.
With sunny conditions and a flat pitch in store, another high-scoring contest is on the cards. The team winning the toss would look to chase, considering the venue’s history. Spinners will play a key role in the middle overs when the ball grips and turns.
New Zealand vs. South Africa Prediction
This crucial match between two evenly-matched teams is difficult to predict, but South Africa appear to have a slight edge given their form. Their aggressive batting unit is in top shape with Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram in destructive touch. Backing them up is a well-rounded bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi.
While New Zealand cannot be counted out with match-winners like Trent Boult and Kane Williamson in their ranks, their recent struggles against Australia’s batting indicate they could falter against the likes of De Kock and Markram too.
South Africa’s confidence from the tight win over Pakistan sets them up perfectly for this contest. The Proteas also lead the head-to-head against New Zealand in ODIs.
However, with so much on the line expect this matchup to go down to the wire. New Zealand are fighters and South Africa have a history of faltering in World Cups. Ultimately, South Africa’s red-hot batting gives them the edge to claim the win and take a giant step towards the semi-finals.
New Zealand vs. South Africa Betting Tip
Given the batting-friendly conditions expected, betting on a high-scoring match is advisable. The projected first innings total is around 300 runs. Backing the over 299.5 runs line is recommended.
With South Africa’s batting in sublime form, loading up on their top scorers is wise. The in-form Quinton de Kock is a strong pick for top match run-scorer. Aiden Markram is another solid bet considering his 360 runs in 5 matches. For New Zealand, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell are wise picks.
For top wicket-takers, Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult are the front-runners. Tabraiz Shamsi’s left-arm wrist spin could also prove effective.
South Africa have the more balanced XI and momentum after defeating Pakistan. With the Proteas favored to win, betting on them successfully chasing anything under 330 is recommended. The safer option is to bet on South Africa or the match finishing in a draw if the line is offered.
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If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
