New Zealand and South Africa, the runners-up of the 2023 T20 World Cup, are set to face off in match no. 3 of the warm-up series leading up to the forthcoming World Cup, scheduled for early October. This game will take place at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, on the 29th of September 2024.
New Zealand has had a tough 2024 season, losing all 8 of their games so far. They suffered a whitewash against England in July and faced another series defeat at the hands of Australia in September. As they prepare for the upcoming World Cup, they will be eager to turn their form around and regain momentum.
New Zealand had a strong start at the T20 World Cups, finishing as runners-up in the first two editions and reaching the semi-finals in 2012 and 2016. However, in recent years, with just two wins in each of their last three campaigns, New Zealand has not advanced past the league stage. In their 2024 campaign, clubbed in Group A, they’ll play India, Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in their league games.
In the 2024 season, South Africa secured a win in the T20I series opener against India, and with the second game abandoned, the series ended in a 1-1 draw. Most recently, in September, South Africa claimed a 2-1 win in a 3-match T20I series against Pakistan, adding momentum to their campaign as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
South Africa made their T20 World Cup semi-final appearances in 2014 and 2020. In the most recent edition in 2023, on home soil, they went one step further, finishing as runners-up. Placed in Group B, they will play England, Scotland, Bangladesh, and West Indies.
Head-to-head, South Africa and New Zealand have faced off in 19 T20Is, with New Zealand losing 11, four matches ending without a result, and securing only 4 wins. For a struggling New Zealand, this upcoming match against an established South African side promises to be a competitive clash as both teams seek to gain momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Where to watch New Zealand v South Africa?
Cricket fans can follow live scores on the ICC match portal for real-time updates while we await confirmation on the broadcast and telecast details for the New Zealand vs. South Africa face-off, match no. 3 of the warm-up series, scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
Squads:
New Zealand – Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon
Schedule:
New Zealand –
Match 1: September 29, The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, v South Africa
Match 2: October 1, ICC Academy Ground 2, Dubai, v England
South Africa –
Match 1: September 29, The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, v New Zealand
Match 2: October 1, ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, v India
Broadcast and live streaming details:
While we await confirmation on broadcast and telecast details, live scores can be accessed via the ICC match portal for real-time updates.