The first test between New Zealand & South Africa will take place at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui and will begin on Sunday, February 4. New Zealand will be led by Tim Southee, with most of the senior players back in the side whereas, Niel Brand is the captain of South Africa in the New Zealand vs South Africa Test series. He has no international experience so far and will make his national debut in the 1st Test. So it will be interesting to see how the young inexperienced South African team will compete against the experience Kiwis.
This series is crucial for both the teams in terms of ICC World Test Championship. Both South Africa and New Zealand is standing 2nd and 3rd respectively at a points table with 12 points each, they played equal number of matches. Also, Both the side have one lose and one win with 50 percentage of winning rate.
South Africa have always dominated against Kiwis in test. New Zealand is yet to win a test series against Proteas. Last time when both the teams met against each others in year 2021/22 for 2 match test series, It ended-up with a draw 1-1. But this time experienced New Zealand have a good chance to create a history by defeating them. Out 15 players squad, only Keegan Petersen has played international test cricket in double figures and that is 12 matches only.
Rest other 14 players have played less than 5 matches or yet to make a debut for their side. Talking about New Zealand they have announced all their key players like playing like Kane Williamson, Devon Convey, Tom Latham, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson among others. Question arises, Is Cricket South Africa(CSA) trying to redevelop their Test side or are their players prioritising T20 Leagues over test cricket!? What if this young African team succed against mighty New Zealand?
New Zealand vs South Africa Head-to-Head
South Africa have a dominating record against New Zealand in test cricket. Both teams have played a total of 47 tests and South Africa have won 26 while New Zealand have only won five matches and 16 have ended in a draw.
Weather Report
The weather will be pretty good for the coming week in Mount Maunganui. The temperature will be between 24 and 28 °C, with a humidity of around 50 percent.
Pitch Report
The pitch will assist the pacers more here. The first innings average score at the venue is around 359 and in the second innings it is 404, which suggests that batting will be rather easy on the first three days of the game.
Predicted Playing XIs
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee (c), Neil Wagner
South Africa: Keegan Petersen, Zubayr Hamza, Clyde Fortuin (wk), David Bedingham, Neil Brand (c), Raynard van Tonder, Dane Paterson, Shaun von Berg, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Tshepo Moreki
Dream 11 picks
Wicket-keeper: Tom Latham
Batters: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham
All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Neil Brand
Bowlers: Tim Southee, D Paterson
Captain: Kane Williamson
Vice-captain: Daryl Mitchell