CWC 2019: NZ vs SA Preview – Well-rested Blackcaps take on eager South Africa
The last time New Zealand and South Africa met in a World Cup clash, they produced one of the greatest limited-overs encounters. The brilliant finish by Grant Elliott in the 2015 World Cup semifinal remains the most heart-breaking moment in South African cricket history. These two outfits will take the field tomorrow at Edgbaston to reignite the same fire without the heroes from that epic clash.
Alongside India, New Zealand is the only other team which is unbeaten in this tournament. The Blackcaps were off to a brilliant start. They won their first three encounters versus lower-ranked sides while the match against India was a washout. South Africa will be their first major challenge in this World Cup and Kane Williamson’s men will not be taking them lightly.
South Africa registered their maiden win in the competition by beating Afghanistan comfortably but Captain Faf du Plessis knows that the side faces the risk of elimination in every game from here onwards. After three consecutive losses at the beginning, the Proteas need to win every upcoming match to stay alive. Lungi Ngidi’s return to full fitness will definitely lift the team’s mood.
Match Info
New Zealand vs South Africa, Match 25
Edgbaston, Birmingham (3:00 pm IST)
Head-To-Head
Played – 70
New Zealand wins – 24
South Africa wins – 41
No result – 5
The World Cup head-to-head is 5-2 in favour of New Zealand. Last two encounters between these two teams have been extremely important and thrilling as well. The Blackcaps clinched the quarterfinal in 2011 and also won the semifinal in 2015.
Team News
New Zealand’s last World Cup encounter was on 8th June. Their match against India was a washout and it has given them ample rest. Tim Southee and Henry Nicholls are likely to be fit for this match after they had missed earlier games. However, with the team balance set, they are unlikely to make any changes.
South Africa received a massive boost in the form of Lungi Ngidi. The pace bowler has regained his fitness and is likely to return in the playing XI. His inclusion will increase the firepower of the South African pace bowling attack which has been listless so far.
Key Players
Martin Guptill (New Zealand): The New Zealand opener relishes the South African bowling attack. In five innings, he has piled 322 runs against the African side. Guptill averages 107.33 and his highest score against South Africa in ODIs is 180 not out. The opener has scored only 98 runs in first three matches and will be seeking a big score.
Imran Tahir (South Africa): The legspinner has been South Africa’s leading bowler in recent times. In the last match against Afghanistan, Tahir ran through the batting lineup with a spell of 4/29. In previous eight innings, he has taken 11 wickets while conceding 4.42 runs per over.
Probable XI
New Zealand: M Guptill, C Munro, K Williamson (c), R Taylor, T Latham (wk), J Neesham, C de Grandhomme, M Santner, M Henry, L Ferguson, T Boult
South Africa: H Amla, Q de Kock (wk), A Markram, F du Plessis, R van der Dussen, D Miller, C Morris, A Phehlukwayo, K Rabada, I Tahir, B Hendricks/L Ngidi.
