This event has expired GGPoker Bonus Code

New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup Tips - Battle of potential semi-finalists

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

31 Oct 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 31 Oct 2023

Share this article

New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup match predictions to be played at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday afternoon, Indian time
New Zealand conceded the highest o/p in their last 2 ODIs
South Africa posted the highest o/p in 7 of their last 9 ODIs

Can South Africa and New Zealand dish out a thriller in Pune? (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup

It’s two versus three in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 as New Zealand and South Africa play a crucial match. This match #32 of the tournament will be played at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday.

New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup
Head to Head
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News

After a bright start, New Zealand are stuttering with consecutive losses. Another defeat here would put them under pressure and don’t rule that out against a determined South Africa side. It could be an interesting battle but I am leaning in the runs market. I am putting my money on South Africa scoring more runs for the opening partnership.

New Zealand conceded the most runs for the opening partnership in their last 2 matches (ODIs)
South Africa recorded the highest opening partnership in 7 of their last 9 matches (ODIs)
New Zealand have won their last 5 World Cup matches against South Africa (ODIs)
Aiden Markram has scored 40+ in 5 of his last 6 matches (ODIs)

Head to Head

New Zealand played South Africa in 71 ODIs so far winning only 25, losing 41. The remaining five matches ended without a result.

Surprisingly, these teams haven’t met since the 2019 World Cup, a match that was won by four wickets by the Black Caps. In fact, the Kiwis have won their last five World Cup matches against the Proteas.

New Zealand Form

After six rounds of matches, New Zealand are 3rd in the table with eight points. Only net run rate separates them from the fourth-placed Australia and a loss here could make things tricky.

The Kiwis started with four straight wins but lost back-to-back matches to India and Australia. The five-run loss to Australia was a sign of their fighting spirit, but with nothing to show for their game.

The rise of Rachin Ravindra (406 runs) as a consistent batter has been the biggest story for New Zealand in this tournament. Mitch Santner (14 wickets) continues to be amongst the wickets, leading their pack.

New Zealand Team News

Kane Williamson batted in the nets for New Zealand but is unlikely to be risked for this game. If he plays, it would be Will Young who could be benched.

South Africa Form

South Africa are 2nd in the points table with ten points after six rounds of matches. The Proteas have lost only to the Netherlands and have the best NRR among all teams.

The one-wicket win over Pakistan showed that the South Africans are ready to grit it out and do the hard grind as well. They have matches against India and Afghanistan left to play out, so a win here could take the pressure out of those two matches.

Quinton de Kock (431) and Aiden Markram (356) have been their batting mainstays, while every bowler chipped in with wickets. Marco Jansen leads the pack (13) while he also has been contributing with the bat (143).

South Africa Team News

Keshav Maharaj could be under threat if South Africa decide to bring Kagiso Rabada back.

New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup FAQs

Where can I watch the New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup live stream.

What time does New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup start?

This New Zealand vs South Africa ODI World Cup will be played at the MCA Stadium in Pune on November 1, Wednesday starting at 2:00 pm IST.

Verdict

New Zealand have had the stick over South Africa in World Cup matches and there’s an outside chance that they could do the same. Like the game against England, the Kiwis love to be underdogs and play to their strengths. For me though, the strength for the Proteas is their opening partnership. I am backing them to once again top the charts.