ODI World Cup 2023, Match 32: New Zealand vs South Africa Match Preview

The ODI World Cup 2023 is gradually heading towards the business end. Some teams have been excellent, while others have flattered to deceive. New Zealand and South Africa have certainly been among the two top teams in the competition, and when they square off in Pune on Wednesday, November 1, fireworks can be expected.

South Africa and New Zealand have played six matches each. While the Proteas have secured 10 points, the Kiwis have two fewer in their kitty. The team that wins this game will go one step closer to guaranteeing a place in the semi-finals of the showpiece event.

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is the highest run-getter in the competition thus far. The southpaw, retiring from ODIs after the World Cup, has amassed 431 runs at an average of 71.83. Aiden Markram is also in the top five list for highest run-getters in the tournament. He has scored 356 runs at an average of 59.33.

The troika of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Rassie van der Dussen have also looked in ominous form. On the bowling front, two youngsters - Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen have shined brightly. The latter is the highest wicket-taker for the Proteas, with 13 scalps at 22.31. Coetzee has played five games and picked up 12 wickets at 22.

New Zealand have also had their heroes. However, not many would have predicted 23-year-old sensation Rachin Ravindra to be their leading run-getter at this stage of the competition. The left-handed batter has scored centuries against England and Australia and has 406 runs in six matches at a staggering average of 81.20. Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway have also been in sublime touch for the Blackcaps.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Most Runs

Spinners need to come to the party when teams come to play in India, and Mitchell Santner has done just that. The wily left-arm spinner has bagged 14 wickets in six matches at 20.21. He has been supported well by Matt Henry. However, Trent Boult's form would be a bit of a concern as the veteran hasn't been as threatening as he usually is with the new ball.

NZ vs SA Pitch and Conditions

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune offers a lot of runs for the batters. Sri Lanka scored 241 at this venue on Monday, and Afghanistan chased it down with seven wickets and 28 balls to spare. The pitch is quite good for batting. The dew factor can make things difficult for bowlers in the second innings, and the captain who wins the toss could opt to bowl first. The conditions on offer during the World Cup matches at this venue have suggested that a first-innings score in excess of 280 is a minimum.

NZ vs SA Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 32

New Zealand (NZ)

Kane Williamson is recovering well from his thumb injury. Lockie Ferguson, who experienced pain in his right Achilles during the game against Australia, is expected to be fit in time. Tom Latham was hopeful that Williamson, Lockie, and Mark Chapman, who was injured prior to the previous encounter, would be available for selection against the Proteas.

Predicted XI: Devon Conway, Will Young/Kane Williamson (C), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

South Africa (SA)

Tabraiz Shamsi came into the playing XI for the game against Pakistan as it was played at the spin-friendly Chepauk. The left-arm wrist spinner picked up a four-for and was adjudged Player of the Match. Pune might not be an ideal venue for spinners, but it would be tough to bench Shamsi after his standout performance in the last game. Kagiso Rabada was rested as a precautionary measure for the last game as he had back spasms. He might come back in place of Lungi Ngidi.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada/Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head in ODIs:

NZ vs SA Broadcast Details:

Also Check: ICC World Cup 2023 Points Table