ICC World Cup 2023: New Zealand vs South Africa preview & prediction

The exciting matches of the ICC World Cup 2023 continue this week as New Zealand take on South Africa at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. 

Both teams will be looking for success on Wednesday to take another big step towards qualification to the semi-finals. 

Match Preview 

New Zealand made a spectacular start to their World Cup campaign, winning their first four games against England, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. 

But back-to-back losses to India and Australia saw them dropping down to third in the standings. 

The 2011 world champions outclassed the Kiwis by four wickets, but it was the defeat against the Aussies that was particularly heartbreaking as they fell short by just five runs in their 389 target chase. 

Rachin Ravindra’s 116-run knock laid the platform for the 2019 finalists to chase down Australia’s mammoth total, but James Neesham’s unfortunate run out in the final over eventually led to their defeat. 

Meanwhile, South Africa began their campaign in India with a record-breaking win against Sri Lanka before claiming a huge victory over Australia a few days later. 

However, Netherlands pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, beating the Proteas by 38 runs. 

The African team bounced back emphatically as they secured comfortable wins over England and Bangladesh before prevailing over Pakistan in a nail-baiting World Cup contest in Chennai last week. 

South Africa restricted the Green Shirts to 170 in 50 overs, with impressive bowling spells from Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen. 

Aiden Markram’s 91-run knock put his side in a dominating position  but a late batting collapse brought Pakistan back in the game. 

However, Keshav Maharaj and Shami held their nerves to lead South Africa to a one-wicket victory. 

New Zealand vs South Africa playing XI 

New Zealand: Tom Latham (c & wk), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

How to Watch? 

Fans of cricket can enjoy the New Zealand vs South Africa match, as well all other games of the ICC World Cup 2023, via cricket live streams. 

New Zealand vs South Africa prediction

South Africa have Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klassen, players who are currently three of the top 10 run-getters in the ICC World Cup 2023. New Zealand also boast plenty of batting quality in their ranks, but back-to-back defeats mean momentum will not be on their side. And that’s why, we believe the Proteas will come out on top on Wednesday.