We are in the 32nd game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It will be an exciting contest as New Zealand and South Africa look to improve their position on the points table. New Zealand went down against Australia in the last game despite the heroics of their batsmen, who nearly pulled off a win. South Africa snatched a thrilling win against Pakistan and sits in second place on the points table.
New Zealand’s bowlers have been in poor form in the last two games, and the side has suffered back-to-back losses. They will be slightly down on confidence in this game with skipper Kane Williamson still ruled out. South Africans have won by big margins and have a strong batting line-up. Both sides have done well in the tournament, and we expect a close contest.
THE VENUE FOR SOUTH AFRICA-NEW ZEALAND GAME
The MCA Stadium in Pune has witnessed high scores due to its flat wicket and lightning-fast outfield. Batsmen have the freedom to play attacking shots confidently, especially against fast bowlers who find little assistance. Spinners, however, have a history of success at this venue.
TEAM PREVIEW
NEW ZEALAND
It was a heartbreaking loss for New Zealand in their last game against Australia. They fell short by five runs in what would have been a record chase in the history of the World Cup. With back-to-back losses, the side has fallen in the points table. Skipper Tom Latham, who is leading in the absence of Kane Williamson, would like his side to put these upsets behind and win this game to take a step closer to a place in the semifinals.
Devon Conway and Will Young are giving good starts, and the pair will look to set up a big opening wicket stand. Rachin Ravindra scored his second hundred of the tournament in the last game, and he will look to build partnerships in the middle order with Latham and Glenn Phillips. James Neesham played an electrifying knock in the previous game and will look to deliver the goods down the order with Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry.
For two games in a row, the Kiwi bowling attack has failed. Trent Boult and Matt Henry must get early breakthroughs as the South African top order is in exceptional form. Lockie Ferguson and Santner must keep the scoring rate under check in the middle overs. The side will also expect a good show in the supporting role from Phillips, Neesham, and Rachin Ravindra.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
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’s side snatched a 1-wicket win against Pakistan in the last game. It was the most exciting contest in this tournament, and the South African tail enders held their nerves to take the side to victory. A victory in this game will seal a berth for the side in the semifinals, and Bavuma would like his side to continue with the momentum and reclaim the top spot on the points table with a win.
Quinton de Kock is the tournament’s leading scorer and will look to deliver a good start with skipper Temba Bavuma in this game. They have an in-form middle order and would expect runs from the bats of Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen. David Miller and Marco Jansen can play their strokes and add solidity to this batting line-up.
South African bowlers have bowled with a lot of passion. The side will expect a good show in this game with the new ball from Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen. Kagiso Rabada will look to trouble the Kiwi batters with his pace. Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Markram have used the conditions well and will look to do the same in this game.
EXPECTED XI OF SOUTH AFRICA v NEW ZEALAND
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
PREDICTION FOR THE GAME
There is little that separates the two sides, but the South Africans have won the last three games. It gives them a slight edge.
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