World Cup 2023 NZ vs SA: Head-to-Head Stats and Records You Need to Know

New Zealand and South Africa are set to face off in match number 32 of the World Cup 2023 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Wednesday, November 1. The day-night game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams currently occupying spots in the top four of the points table. New Zealand holds the 3rd position with 8 points from 6 matches, while South Africa is right above them in 2nd place, boasting 10 points from 6 games.

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For New Zealand, the tournament began on a spectacular note with 4 consecutive victories. However, they’ve stumbled in their last two matches. A narrow defeat to India by four wickets in Dharamsala was followed by another heartbreaker, this time against Australia, losing by a mere 5 runs at the same venue.

On the other hand, South Africa’s journey has seen a resurgence after a setback against the Netherlands. They’ve rallied to secure 3 consecutive wins, with their latest triumph coming against Pakistan in Chennai. Although their chase of 271 wasn’t a smooth ride, South Africa managed to squeak through with one wicket in hand. It’s clear that batting second remains their Achilles’ heel, and this is something they will be keen to address in the upcoming clash.

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head in ODIs

New Zealand and South Africa have crossed paths 71 times in the 50-over format, with the Proteas holding a significant advantage with 41 wins compared to New Zealand’s 25. There have been no tied encounters, and five matches ended without a result.

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head in World Cup

However, when it comes to the ODI World Cup, New Zealand has been a dominant force against South Africa. They have won 6 of the 8 matches played between the two sides, a statistic that might be playing on the minds of the Proteas. Remarkably, New Zealand has emerged victorious in five consecutive ODI World Cup encounters, a streak that commenced in 2003.

Turning our attention to their recent clashes, the last ODI between these cricketing giants took place during the 2019 World Cup. New Zealand secured a four-wicket victory with a total of 245/6, successfully chasing down South Africa’s 241/6. Before that, in 2017, they engaged in a five-match series, where South Africa emerged victorious in one match while New Zealand won the other, showcasing the intense rivalry that exists between these two cricketing powerhouses.

As the World Cup 2023 progresses, this encounter between New Zealand and South Africa promises to be a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. With both teams in good form and a history of close contests, Wednesday’s match is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Will New Zealand bounce back from their recent losses, or can South Africa continue their winning streak and finally break their World Cup jinx against the Kiwis?