- South Africa dominates historically but struggles in ICC events.
- New Zealand’s recent form gives them an edge in Lahore.
- Champions Trophy 2025 stakes add urgency to this clash.
New Zealand vs South Africa ODI Rivalry: Key Stats and History
New Zealand and South Africa have played 72 ODIs since 1992, with South Africa dominating 58.33% of matches (42 wins) compared to New Zealand’s 34.72% (25 wins). Five games ended with no result . Their rivalry intensified during ICC events, especially the 2015 World Cup semi-final, where Grant Elliott’s six sealed New Zealand’s thrilling win .
Bold Fact: South Africa’s 357/4 in Pune (2023) is the highest ODI total in this rivalry, while New Zealand’s best is 299/6 (2015) .
NZ vs SA in World Cups: A Story of Close Battles
In ODI World Cups, New Zealand leads 6-3 across nine matches . South Africa’s last World Cup win against New Zealand came in 1999, but the Kiwis claimed victories in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2023 . The 2023 Pune match saw South Africa’s 190-run victory, driven by Quinton de Kock’s 114 and Rassie van der Dussen’s 133 .
Key Performers:
- Jacques Kallis (SA): 1,449 runs in ODIs vs NZ .
- Chris Cairns (NZ): 33 wickets, the highest for Kiwis against SA .
Recent Form and Tri-Series Context
New Zealand enters the 2025 Tri-Series with momentum after defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in Lahore. Glenn Phillips (106*) and *Daryl Mitchell* (81) starred with the bat, while Mitchell Santner took 3 wickets . South Africa, however, struggles after a 3-0 ODI loss to Pakistan and rests key players like Kagiso Rabada for the SA20 2025 .
2025 Tri-Series Importance:
- A win here boosts chances for the Champions Trophy 2025.
- South Africa’s squad includes newcomers like Matthew Breetzke and Eathan Bosch .
Players to Watch in Lahore Clash
New Zealand:
- Kane Williamson: Consistent with 50+ scores in recent ODIs.
- Mitchell Santner: All-round threat with bat and spin .
South Africa:
- Temba Bavuma: Captain needing a big score after poor form.
- Lungi Ngidi: Key pace bowler for early breakthroughs .
Head-to-Head in Pakistan: Rare Encounters
Only one ODI between these teams has been played in Pakistan: the 1996 World Cup in Faisalabad, where South Africa won by 5 wickets . The 2025 Tri-Series marks their second clash in Pakistan, offering New Zealand a chance to level the record .
Gaddafi Stadium Stats:
- Batting-friendly pitch with spin assistance later.
- Teams batting first average 270+ runs .
Champions Trophy 2025 Connection
Both teams aim to use the Tri-Series as preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa’s focus is on rebuilding after senior players skipped the tour, while New Zealand tests bench strength .
Key Factors:
- Player Fitness: Rachin Ravindra’s availability could boost NZ’s batting .
- Bowling Depth: SA’s Tabraiz Shamsi vs NZ’s Matt Henry in death overs .
NZ vs SA ODI Head-to-Head (Overall) :
| Stat | New Zealand | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 72 | 72 |
| Wins | 25 | 42 |
| Highest Total | 299/6 | 357/4 |
Top Performers :
- Most Runs: Jacques Kallis (SA) – 1,449 | Stephen Fleming (NZ) – 1,280
- Most Wickets: Shaun Pollock (SA) – 48 | Chris Cairns (NZ) – 33
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
