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New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team matches have produced one of the most competitive rivalries in international cricket. The two teams have faced each other across Test cricket, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, with both sides producing memorable performances over several generations.
South Africa have historically held the advantage in the Test and ODI formats, while New Zealand have enjoyed several important victories in major ICC tournaments. The rivalry has become particularly interesting in recent years, with New Zealand defeating South Africa in the 2024 Test series and again in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semifinal.
The teams have also met regularly in T20 cricket, where South Africa currently hold the overall advantage. Their matches often feature high-quality fast bowling, aggressive batting and competitive finishes.
New Zealand vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record
New Zealand and South Africa have a long international cricket history dating back to 1932. According to historical records, the teams have played 49 Tests, 74 ODIs and 25 T20Is. South Africa lead the Test and ODI records, while they also have the advantage in T20Is.
| Format | Matches | New Zealand Wins | South Africa Wins | Draws/Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 49 | 7 | 26 | 16 draws |
| ODIs | 74 | 27 | 42 | 5 no results |
| T20Is | 25 | 10 | 15 | 0 |
| Total | 148 | 44 | 83 | 21+ |
The overall record shows South Africa’s long-term dominance, particularly in Test cricket. However, New Zealand have produced several important victories in recent years and have become increasingly difficult for South Africa to defeat in major tournaments.
Beginning of the New Zealand vs South Africa Rivalry
The first Test between New Zealand and South Africa took place in 1932. South Africa won both matches of that early series.
The rivalry continued through the 1950s and 1960s, although the two teams did not meet as frequently as some other international opponents. South Africa generally had the stronger record during the early decades.
New Zealand gradually became more competitive, especially from the 1990s onward. Players such as Martin Crowe, Stephen Fleming, Chris Cairns and later Kane Williamson helped New Zealand become a consistent international side.
The two teams also developed a strong ODI rivalry, particularly after New Zealand became regular contenders in World Cups and ICC tournaments.
New Zealand vs South Africa Test Match History
New Zealand and South Africa have played 49 Test matches. South Africa have won 26, New Zealand have won 7 and 16 matches have ended in draws.
South Africa’s historical Test dominance is significant, but New Zealand have produced some outstanding performances at home.
One of the most important recent developments came in February 2024, when New Zealand won a two-match Test series against South Africa 2-0. It was New Zealand’s first Test series victory over South Africa.
The 2024 series was especially memorable because New Zealand won both matches convincingly.
2024 Test Series: New Zealand Make History
The 2024 Test series in New Zealand became one of the biggest milestones in the history of New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team matches.
New Zealand won the first Test at Bay Oval by 281 runs. They scored 511 in their first innings and then declared at 179/4. South Africa were dismissed for 162 and 247.
Rachin Ravindra scored a remarkable 240 in the first innings, while Kane Williamson made 118. The huge partnership between the two New Zealand batters gave the hosts complete control of the match.
The second Test at Seddon Park produced another New Zealand victory. South Africa scored 242 and 235, while New Zealand made 211 and then reached 269/3 to win by seven wickets.
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test, 2024 | Bay Oval | New Zealand won by 281 runs |
| 2nd Test, 2024 | Seddon Park | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| Series | New Zealand | New Zealand won 2-0 |
Kane Williamson was named Player of the Series after scoring 403 runs. The series also marked the first time New Zealand had won a Test series against South Africa.
New Zealand vs South Africa ODI History
The ODI rivalry is much closer than the Test record.
New Zealand and South Africa have played 74 ODIs. South Africa have won 42, New Zealand have won 27 and five matches have ended without a result.
Both teams have produced memorable World Cup matches. South Africa have often been one of the strongest ODI teams in the world, while New Zealand have developed a reputation for performing extremely well in ICC knockout matches.
The 2015 and 2019 World Cups produced particularly memorable encounters between the two sides.
Famous World Cup Encounters
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team matches have frequently been important in ICC World Cups.
One of the most memorable matches occurred during the 2015 World Cup semifinal in Auckland. New Zealand defeated South Africa in a dramatic rain-affected contest to reach the final.
The match featured a remarkable chase in which Grant Elliott played a match-winning innings. New Zealand reached the target with one ball remaining.
The teams also met in the 2019 World Cup, where New Zealand won by four wickets after a tense chase at Edgbaston.
South Africa dominated the 2023 World Cup group-stage encounter, defeating New Zealand by 190 runs after scoring 357/4.
These matches demonstrate how unpredictable the rivalry can become in World Cup conditions.
2025 Champions Trophy Semifinal
One of the most important recent New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team matches took place in the semifinal of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 5, 2025.
New Zealand batted first and produced a huge score of 362/6 in 50 overs. Rachin Ravindra scored 108 and Kane Williamson made 102. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips also contributed important runs.
South Africa responded with 312/9.
David Miller scored an unbeaten 100 from 67 balls, while Temba Bavuma made 56 and Rassie van der Dussen scored 69.
However, South Africa could not complete the chase and New Zealand won by 50 runs.
Mitchell Santner took 3/43 and Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 362/6 | — |
| South Africa | 312/9 | New Zealand won by 50 runs |
The victory sent New Zealand into the Champions Trophy final against India.
New Zealand vs South Africa T20I History
New Zealand and South Africa have played 25 T20Is. South Africa have won 15 while New Zealand have won 10.
T20 cricket has created a more balanced rivalry compared with Test cricket.
Both sides have produced powerful batting line-ups and strong pace attacks. South Africa’s T20 teams have included players such as AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen.
New Zealand have featured stars such as Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips.
2026 T20I Series in New Zealand
The most recent bilateral T20I series between the teams took place in New Zealand in March 2026.
South Africa won the five-match series 3-2. The series produced several contrasting matches, with both teams displaying their strengths.
The first T20I was won by South Africa by seven wickets. New Zealand were dismissed for 91 and South Africa reached 93/3.
New Zealand responded strongly in the second match, scoring 175/6 before bowling South Africa out for 107. New Zealand won by 68 runs.
The third T20I was another New Zealand victory. New Zealand reached 137/2 while South Africa made 136/9, giving the hosts an eight-wicket win.
South Africa then won the fourth match by 19 runs and the fifth by 33 runs to take the series 3-2.
| T20I | New Zealand | South Africa | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st, 2026 | 91 | 93/3 | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd, 2026 | 175/6 | 107 | New Zealand won by 68 runs |
| 3rd, 2026 | 137/2 | 136/9 | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 4th, 2026 | 145 | 164/5 | South Africa won by 19 runs |
| 5th, 2026 | 154/8 | 187/4 | South Africa won by 33 runs |
| Series | 2 wins | 3 wins | South Africa won 3-2 |
2026 T20 World Cup Meeting
New Zealand and South Africa also met in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The match was played in Ahmedabad on February 14, 2026.
New Zealand batted first and scored 175/7 from their 20 overs. South Africa chased the target impressively, reaching 178/3 in only 17.1 overs.
South Africa therefore won by seven wickets.
Marco Jansen was the standout performer with 4/40 and was named Player of the Match. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram helped South Africa complete the chase.
The victory demonstrated South Africa’s strength in T20 cricket and gave them another important win against New Zealand in an ICC tournament.
Recent New Zealand vs South Africa Match Results
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Mar 2026 | 5th T20I | South Africa won by 33 runs |
| 22 Mar 2026 | 4th T20I | South Africa won by 19 runs |
| 20 Mar 2026 | 3rd T20I | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 17 Mar 2026 | 2nd T20I | New Zealand won by 68 runs |
| 15 Mar 2026 | 1st T20I | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 14 Feb 2026 | T20 World Cup | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 5 Mar 2025 | Champions Trophy semifinal | New Zealand won by 50 runs |
| 10 Feb 2025 | ODI | New Zealand won by 6 wickets |
| 7 Feb 2024 | Test | New Zealand won by 281 runs |
| 16 Feb 2024 | Test | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
The recent record shows how competitive the teams have become. New Zealand dominated the 2024 Test series and defeated South Africa in the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal, while South Africa won the 2026 T20I series and the 2026 T20 World Cup encounter.
Biggest New Zealand vs South Africa Matches
Some matches stand out because of their margin, importance or individual performances.
New Zealand’s 281-run victory in the first Test of 2024 was one of their largest recent victories against South Africa. The match was also historic because it helped New Zealand move toward their first-ever Test series victory over South Africa.
The 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal was another major match. New Zealand’s 362/6 was a tournament record at the time, and the 50-run victory took them into the final.
The 2026 T20 World Cup meeting was also significant because South Africa chased 176 comfortably and won by seven wickets.
Key Players in New Zealand vs South Africa Matches
The rivalry has featured many outstanding players.
New Zealand have been represented by legendary names such as Martin Crowe, Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
The modern generation includes Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen.
South Africa have produced equally impressive players, including Graeme Pollock, Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada.
The current generation includes Aiden Markram, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen and other talented players.
Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra were particularly important in New Zealand’s 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal victory. Williamson scored 102 while Ravindra made 108.
Kane Williamson vs South Africa
Kane Williamson has played an important role in New Zealand’s success against South Africa.
His 118 in the first Test of the 2024 series helped New Zealand establish a commanding position. He also scored 403 runs across the two-Test series and was named Player of the Series.
Williamson’s ability to build long innings has been especially valuable against South Africa’s strong pace attacks.
Rachin Ravindra vs South Africa
Rachin Ravindra has quickly become another major player in this rivalry.
His 240 in the first Test of the 2024 series was a breakthrough performance and one of the biggest innings by a New Zealand player against South Africa.
He followed that performance with a century in the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal, scoring 108 in New Zealand’s 362/6. He was named Player of the Match after New Zealand won by 50 runs.
His performances demonstrate the emergence of a new generation of New Zealand cricketers.
New Zealand vs South Africa Bowling Rivalry
Bowling has traditionally been one of the most important aspects of this contest.
South Africa have historically produced world-class fast bowlers, including Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada.
New Zealand have also developed excellent pace bowlers such as Richard Hadlee, Shane Bond, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Matt Henry.
In recent matches, bowlers such as Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke and Marco Jansen have played major roles.
Will O’Rourke was particularly impressive in the second Test of the 2024 series, earning Player of the Match recognition after New Zealand completed a seven-wicket victory.
New Zealand vs South Africa World Cup Rivalry
The World Cup has given this rivalry some of its most memorable moments.
New Zealand’s success in knockout matches against South Africa has become a recurring theme.
The 2015 World Cup semifinal remains one of the most famous encounters. New Zealand won a rain-affected thriller in Auckland and advanced to the final.
The 2019 World Cup meeting was another close New Zealand victory.
South Africa responded strongly in the 2023 World Cup, winning their group-stage match by 190 runs after scoring 357/4.
The 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal again went New Zealand’s way, making the rivalry particularly interesting in ICC knockout cricket.
Overall New Zealand vs South Africa Cricket Records
| Record Category | New Zealand | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Test matches | 49 | 49 |
| Test wins | 7 | 26 |
| Test draws | 16 | 16 |
| ODI matches | 74 | 74 |
| ODI wins | 27 | 42 |
| ODI no-results | 5 | 5 |
| T20I matches | 25 | 25 |
| T20I wins | 10 | 15 |
| 2024 Test series | 2 wins | 0 wins |
| 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal | Won | Lost |
| 2026 T20I series | 2 wins | 3 wins |
| 2026 T20 World Cup meeting | Lost | Won |
Historical statistics show South Africa’s strong overall record, while New Zealand’s recent successes have made the contest much more competitive.
Why New Zealand vs South Africa Matches Are Important
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team matches are important because both nations have consistently produced competitive international cricket teams.
South Africa have traditionally been known for powerful fast bowling, athletic fielding and strong batting line-ups. New Zealand have developed a reputation for tactical discipline, team balance and excellent performances in major ICC tournaments.
Their matches often provide a contrast in cricketing styles, but both teams share a strong emphasis on competitive bowling and disciplined team performances.
Future of the New Zealand vs South Africa Rivalry
The rivalry is expected to continue across all three formats.
South Africa remain one of the strongest teams in world cricket, while New Zealand continue to develop young players alongside experienced stars.
The 2026 season has already produced seven meetings between the teams across the T20 World Cup and bilateral T20I series. With both sides competing regularly in ICC events, more important matches are likely to follow.
Future Test series will be particularly interesting after New Zealand’s historic 2-0 Test victory in 2024.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team matches have created a fascinating international cricket rivalry spanning more than 90 years.
South Africa have the stronger overall record, winning 26 of the 49 Tests and 42 of the 74 ODIs played between the teams. New Zealand, however, have produced some remarkable victories in recent years.
The 2024 Test series was a historic moment because New Zealand defeated South Africa 2-0 to win their first Test series against them.
New Zealand then defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal, while South Africa responded by winning the 2026 T20I series 3-2 and beating New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With legendary players, major ICC tournament encounters and competitive bilateral series, the New Zealand vs South Africa rivalry remains an important part of international cricket.
How many Tests have New Zealand and South Africa played?
New Zealand and South Africa have played 49 Test matches. South Africa have won 26, New Zealand have won seven and 16 matches have ended in draws.
Who has won more New Zealand vs South Africa ODI matches?
South Africa have the better ODI record. They have won 42 of the 74 ODIs between the teams, while New Zealand have won 27. Five matches ended without a result.
Who won the 2024 New Zealand vs South Africa Test series?
New Zealand won the two-match 2024 Test series 2-0. They won the first Test by 281 runs and the second by seven wickets.
Who won the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa?
New Zealand won the semifinal by 50 runs. New Zealand scored 362/6, while South Africa made 312/9. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both scored centuries for New Zealand.
Who won the 2026 New Zealand vs South Africa T20I series?
South Africa won the five-match 2026 T20I series 3-2. South Africa won the first, fourth and fifth matches, while New Zealand won the second and third.
