New Zealand vs South Africa will lock horns in the seventh warm-up game ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Monday, October 2, in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Kiwis had a fantastic outing in the first warm-up game against Pakistan. After conceding 345 runs on a flat Hyderabad track, New Zealand chased down the daunting score with consummate ease, in just 43.4 overs, with five wickets to spare. Rachin Ravindra opened the batting and scored a brilliant 72-ball 97, which included 16 fours and a solitary six. A fit-again Kane Williamson scored a 50-ball 54, while Daryl Mitchell also registered a half-century. Lower down the order, Mark Chapman impressed with an unbeaten 41-ball 65 and Jimmy Neesham also scored an enterprising 21-ball 33 during Blackcaps’ thumping victory.
South Africa, on the other hand, saw their first warm-up game against Afghanistan being washed out without a ball being bowled. This will be the only match the Proteas will get before they square off against Sri Lanka in the fourth match of the ODI World Cup on Saturday, October 7.
New Zealand vs South Africa Match Details:
Match: New Zealand vs South Africa, 7th ODI Match, World Cup warm-up game
Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Date & Time: Monday, October 2, 2:00 PM IST
Live Streaming Details: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar app and website
Greenfield International Stadium Pitch Report:
The pitch at the Greenfield International Stadium tends to favour the bowlers as batters are expected to have their task cut out. Mitchell Starc picked up a hat-trick in the fifth warm-up game against Netherlands at this venue. Rain has played spoilsport in the two warm-up matches hosted by this venue thus far and unfortunately, the weather Gods might not be kind today as well, according to the weather report.
NZ vs SA Head-to-Head Record:
Matches – 71, New Zealand – 25, South Africa – 41, N/R- 5
NZ vs SA Probable Playing XI
New Zealand (NZ):
Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Daryll Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Tim Southee
South Africa (SA):
Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter:
Aiden Markram (New Zealand):
The South African vice-captain has taken his ODI game up by a few notches, in recent times, and scored his two centuries in the format this year. In South Africa’s most recent series against Australia at home, Markram amassed 225 runs in five games at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 115.98.
Probable Best Bowler:
Trent Boult (New Zealand):
The left-arm seamer has made a sparkling comeback to international cricket, after a one-year hiatus and picked up 10 wickets in five matches at 15.80. He was rested for the first warm-up game against Pakistan but he might bowl a few overs with the new ball against South Africa.
Today’s Match Prediction: South Africa to win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.