New Zealand and South Africa share an intense rivalry that keeps cricket fans riveted. Both sides are known for their aggressive batting styles and strategic bowling methods that keep matches exciting. For fans following the new zealand national cricket team vs south africa national cricket team match scorecard, every clash highlights the intensity and drama of their encounters.
The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 proved thrillingly exciting, featuring outstanding centuries and powerful partnerships aplenty as well as some of the challenges associated with high-pressure knockout cricket.
| Date | Match Format | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2025 | ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final | Dubai Intl. Stadium | South Africa 357 beat New Zealand 250+ by 107 runs |
| Jul 2025 | Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series Final | Harare Sports Club | New Zealand 185/5 beat South Africa 184/5 by 3 runs |
| Jan 2022 | 2nd Test | Christchurch, NZ | New Zealand 521 & 136/2 beat South Africa 95 & 111 by innings & 276 runs |
| Jan 2022 | 1st Test | Christchurch, NZ | South Africa 364 & 354 beat New Zealand 293 & 483/3d by 198 runs |
| Jun 2019 | ICC World Cup (ODI) | Birmingham, ENG | New Zealand 245/6 beat South Africa 241/6 by 4 wickets |
South Africa 357 (Quinton de Kock 114, Rassie van der Dussen 63)
South Africa’s batsmen dominated throughout their innings, providing an outstanding performance to help reach 357 runs. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen produced an outstanding partnership of 125 runs off just 114 deliveries which was integral in South Africa securing victory.
Van der Dussen continued his outstanding form at the World Cup with another century, scoring 133 off just 118 balls while hitting nine fours and five sixes en route. It was his second of this tournament and sixth overall; eventually Glenn Phillips caught him off Tim Southee to end a 200-run partnership for second wicket between them.
New Zealand had an inauspicious start to their innings and struggled to gain any traction. Thanks to Corey Anderson’s cameo innings, however, they managed to pass 250 but did not manage to build on this total. Glenn Phillips led New Zealand with 60 off 50 balls including four fours and sixes.
The match remained close throughout, as several stellar bowling spells and spectacular catches kept New Zealand within striking distance of victory, yet they ultimately fell short in attempting to pull off an unlikely comeback.
Mitchell Santner of New Zealand expressed their pride with their team’s performance throughout this tournament and with how well they stuck to their plans while remaining patient under difficult conditions. While they would have liked a slightly greater total on the board, Mitchell Santner stated they are content with what has been accomplished thus far and were proud of how well their players had played throughout.
New Zealand remains hopeful of progressing to the semifinals despite their loss, as they currently sit second in Pool B standings and need two wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan to move into the semi-finals. They have proven their resilience time after time throughout history; once more it will be needed if they hope to progress past this group stage.
New Zealand 358 (Lhuan Dre Pretorious 51, Reeza Hendricks 41)
South Africa fell three runs short in the final of the Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series 2025 at Harare Sports Club on Saturday despite their impressive batting display, losing by three runs against New Zealand. Although this match marked their inaugural encounter as T20 rivals, both will meet again soon in another tournament.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius made his maiden T20I fifty to help set his side off early but couldn’t see them through as their middle order struggled against New Zealand and they finished on 184/5.
The Kiwis got off to an impressive start in their run chase as Tim Seifert propelled them quickly with an opening partnership of 92-0 within 10 overs. Although Seifert was eventually dismissed after making 66 off 48 balls, his batsmen still managed to ease past their target for 1858/5 total in 20 overs, enough for victory.
After winning the toss, South African bowlers found it challenging to contain Kiwi batsmen. Although they started strongly, early loss of wickets put them under pressure as middle and lower order batsmen were constantly picked off for singles and twos – only spinner Senuran Muthusamy showed some form by taking three wickets at an economy rate of 6.36.
South African captain Rassie van der Dussen conceded that his side did not perform to their potential on this particular surface, especially their batting during death overs. Furthermore, Rassie added that more options should be made available in their bowling department since only one spinner was part of their side for this matchup.
The Proteas have won one out of their six matches at this tournament so far, yet still lead in terms of points with four wins and one loss. On July 24 they’ll face Zimbabwe again before taking on New Zealand in the Tri-Series finale two days later.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. Their openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway got them off to a flying start, reaching 46/0 during the powerplay thanks to an exceptional opening partnership of 46 runs in only five overs; unfortunately Devon was caught by Kwena Maphaka at deep mid-wicket to bring an abrupt halt to their impressive start. Rachin Ravindra and Aiden Markram both fell cheaply thereafter; nonetheless their batsmen continued scoring runs regularly while amassing huge total.
Final score
New Zealand has long proven itself despite being among the least populous Test-playing nations. They are well known for their resourcefulness and have made two ICC tournament finals (the inaugural World Championship in 2021 and four ODI World Cup semi-finals and a T20 World Cup final), four ODI World Cup semi-finals, and one T20 World Cup final since the turn of this century.
The Black Caps are an energetic team who play aggressive cricket. Their batting line-up includes numerous strikers while their bowlers possess both short-format and long-format bowling weapons to attack opponents in either short or long forms of the game. New Zealand was ranked number one for both ODIs and Tests in 2017. With such a versatile squad they often find ways to win under all conditions.
New Zealand was one of the biggest surprises during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, although they did lose some early form and managed to surprise many observers. They eventually were edged out of the final by England, though their performance at Bengaluru had shown considerable improvements over the previous year compared to when they last met England five or six years earlier. Still not strong as five or six years ago but has demonstrated they can compete with top teams worldwide.
New Zealand rebounded after an inauspicious start to their ODI season and maintained their top spot, winning several matches and remaining undefeated against Bangladesh and Pakistan during home season ODI series. They’re also showing great promise in T20Is with chances to reach the semi-finals.
South Africa was once known for being a choker nation when it comes to international cricket, but they have proven that they can now match it with the best sides in this arena. South Africa have won five ODI and two T20 World Cups respectively – yet have failed in 2015 (despite coming close! )- winning an Test world championship title.
This match will serve as an important litmus test of South Africa’s ability to perform under pressure situations and come through when needed.
Australia will not readily relinquish their WTC crown, making the Proteas’ task in the second innings a difficult one. They require great courage and resolve to overcome their deficit of 153 runs.
The Proteas feature an exciting young lineup and will look to build upon their impressive first innings total in the second innings. Dewald Brevis has impressed in both innings with his batting, earning himself a bright future in cricket at age 23.
Spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and Nqaba Peter have shown promise but must improve further to be included as regular starters at World Cup 2019. Reeza Hendricks appears to have fallen out of favor with coach Conrad.