New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Test 2024: Match preview, playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV & Live Streaming Details

The upcoming Test match between New Zealand and South Africa, set to commence on Tuesday, February 13, at Seddon Park in Hamilton, promises to be a riveting encounter. The Kiwis presently hold a commanding 1-0 lead in the series following a dominant display in the first Test at Bay Oval. In a one-sided affair, New Zealand asserted their authority with an imposing total of 511 runs, buoyed by Rachin Ravindra's stellar double-century and a century from their former skipper, Kane Williamson. 

South Africa faltered, managing only 162 runs in response, conceding a massive first-innings lead of 349 runs. With an impressive performance, New Zealand wrapped up the match, dismissing South Africa for 247 runs, securing a resounding 281-run victory and an unassailable lead in the series. Now, the under-pressure South African side must summon their best efforts to level the series, while New Zealand eye a whitewash in Hamilton.

Pitch Report

The Seddon Park pitch favours the bowlers, particularly offering seam movement early on. With the new ball, seamers are likely to find assistance, posing challenges for batters. As the match progresses, batting conditions are expected to improve. Meanwhile, on the weather front, Hamilton is forecasted to witness sunny weather throughout, with intermittent rain on day 4. Therefore, a gripping contest between bat and ball is on the cards in the upcoming Test fixture.

Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand:

New Zealand posted 511 and 179/4d in their innings, clinching a commanding 281-run victory. Rachin Ravindra's remarkable 240 in the first innings and Kane Williamson's back-to-back centuries (118 and 109) were instrumental in their triumph. Will Young will replace Daryl Mitchell in the playing XI for the upcoming match. Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Tom Blundell will aim for substantial contributions with the bat in the upcoming encounter, hoping to bolster New Zealand's performance.

Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell (Wk), Glenn Philips, Tim Southee (C), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will Young, Mitchell Santner. 

South Africa:

South Africa's batting woes continued as they were dismissed for 162 and 247 in the previous match. David Bendingham's resilient 87 was the lone standout performance. Despite starts, Zubyr Hamza, Van Tonder, and Keegan Peterson couldn't capitalise. South Africa's bowlers struggled against the Kiwi batters in their home conditions. Skipper Neil Brand led the bowling attack admirably, claiming 8 wickets, including a six-wicket haul in the first innings, showcasing his ability on the field.

Neil Brand (C), David Bedingham, Zubyr Hamza, Van Tonder, Keegan Peterson, Khaya Zondo, Clyde Fortuin (Wk), Dane Paterson, Tshepo Moreki, Ruan de Swerdt, Duanne Oliver. 

Test Head-to-Head Records:

NZ vs SA 2nd Test Broadcast details: