Pune: One of the most interesting rivalries in world cricket. When these two teams meet on the stage of the World Cup, the past also comes up. South Africa and New Zealand face each other in the league match in Pune today. South Africa is second in the points table. One more win means the semi-finals are virtually assured. On the other hand, for New Zealand, the knockout stage starts from this match. Losing will increase the pressure. The door to the semi-finals may also be closed. New Zealand’s confidence has been hit by losing the last two matches. Although they lost the last match against Australia, they came very close to winning the record run chase. There will be many things to look out for in Pune.
NZ vs SA ICC WC Match Preview
South Africa are called ‘chokers’ in world cricket. They reached the semi-finals of the World Cup four times, but then they could not progress further. Chokers have been in the title since the 2015 World Cup. And New Zealand is responsible for this! South Africa and New Zealand met in the 2015 World Cup semi-finals. South Africa was ahead in all aspects of the rain-hit match. However, a devastating innings by Kiwi batsman Grant Elliott in the last lap saw South Africa bow out in the semis. Even with a star-studded team, it is surprising that they did not make it to the finals.
After a great start in the World Twenty30, South Africa suffered a major setback. Loss to the Netherlands. In the next match, they turned around very well. Again in a destructive mood. However, one thing is clear if you look at the stats of the last few years, whatever the team’s strengths, weaknesses, recent performances, nothing matters in this match. As the form suggests, New Zealand have lost their last two matches. And South Africa is coming down with a hat trick of victory. Again, past statistics say that South Africa has lost five matches in a row to New Zealand on the World Cup stage.
As the Proteas are in devastating form with the bat, so is the New Zealand batting. A knockout match against the Kiwis in Pune. Losing will make the road complicated. While this match is not a death knell for South Africa, losing Khey here could mean a slump and lack of confidence for the next matches. If South Africa wins, Australia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will get a lifeline! The fate of the South Africa vs. New Zealand match is now in the hands of the bowlers.
