NZ vs SA Preview: South Africa look to extend New Zealand’s losing streak

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will treat fans with another riveting encounter as New Zealand and South Africa will take on each other in Match 32 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. New Zealand are coming into the game having lost their previous two fixtures against India and Australia. They are ranked on the third spot on the points table with four wins from six matches having eight points to their name.

On the other hand, South Africa are coming into the game having won the last three fixtures against England, Bangladesh and Pakistan. They beat Pakistan by one wicket in their last encounter and are ranked on the second spot on the points table with five wins from six matches having ten points to their name.

New Zealand have had an upper hand over South Africa in ODI World Cup history as they have beaten them six times out of the eight occasions the two teams have met each other. They have beaten them in the last five editions of the tournament consecutively and will be willing to extend their winning streak. On the other hand, South Africa last won against the Kiwis in the 1999 editions and will look to end their dismal run against them.

Pitch Report

In the last five ODIs played at the venue, three have been won by teams batting second. The average first innings score has been 295 while the highest target chased is 351 in the history of the venue. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and make the most of the good batting conditions on offer

Probable Playing XI