The rivalry between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team is one of resilience and high-quality competition. Both teams are known for discipline, strong bowling attacks, and consistent performances, making their encounters closely contested across formats.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
New Zealand Score
South Africa Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Bilateral T20I
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Mar 25, 2026
New Zealand (bowl)
154/8 (20 overs)
187/4 (20 overs)
South Africa won by 33 runs
South Africa tour of New Zealand 2025/26
Connor Esterhuizen (SA)
Bilateral T20I
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Mar 22, 2026
South Africa (bat)
145 (18.5 overs)
164/5 (20 overs)
South Africa won by 19 runs
South Africa tour of New Zealand 2025/26
Connor Esterhuizen (SA)
Bilateral T20I
Eden Park, Auckland
Mar 20, 2026
New Zealand (field)
137/2 (16.2 overs)
136/9 (20 overs)
New Zealand won by 8 wickets
South Africa tour of New Zealand 2025/26
Lockie Ferguson (NZ)
Bilateral T20I
Seddon Park, Hamilton
Mar 17, 2026
South Africa (field)
175/6 (20 overs)
107 (15.3 overs)
New Zealand won by 68 runs
South Africa tour of New Zealand 2025/26
Devon Conway (NZ)
Bilateral T20I
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Mar 15, 2026
New Zealand (field)
91 (16.4 overs)
93/3 (16.4 overs)
South Africa won by 7 wickets
South Africa tour of New Zealand 2025/26
Nqobani Mokoena (SA)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Mar 4, 2026
New Zealand (field)
173/1 (12.5 overs)
169/8 (20 overs)
New Zealand won by 9 wickets
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025/26
Finn Allen (NZ)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Feb 14, 2026
South Africa (field)
175/7 (20 overs)
178/3 (17.1 overs)
South Africa won by 7 wickets
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025/26
Marco Jansen (SA)
Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Jul 16, 2025
South Africa (field)
173/5 (20 overs)
152 (18.2 overs)
New Zealand won by 21 runs
Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series 2025
Tim Robinson (NZ)
ICC Champions Trophy (SF)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Mar 5, 2025
New Zealand (bat)
362/6 (50 overs)
312/9 (50 overs)
New Zealand won by 50 runs
ICC Champions Trophy 2024/25
Rachin Ravindra (NZ)
Bilateral T20I
Various (earlier series)
2024-25
–
Varies
Varies
Mixed results (NZ 2 wins, SA 3 wins in key T20Is)
Bilateral T20I series
Varies
Format-wise Performance Comparison
Format
Matches Played
NZ Wins
SA Wins
Draws / No Results
NZ Win %
SA Win %
Test
49
7
26
16
14.29
53.06
ODI
74
27
42
5
36.49
56.76
T20I
20
8
12
0
40.00
60.00
Top Batting Performers in Rivalry
Rank
Player
Team
Runs Scored
1
Kane Williamson
NZ
532
2
Rachin Ravindra
NZ
482
3
Devon Conway
NZ
292
4
Rassie van der Dussen
SA
240
5
Glenn Phillips
NZ
201
Top Bowling Performers in Rivalry
Rank
Player
Team
Wickets
1
Morne Morkel
SA
10
2
Gerald Coetzee
SA
8
3
Ben Sears
NZ
8
4
Ottniel Baartman
SA
7
5
Keshav Maharaj
SA
7
Overall Head-to-Head Records Across Formats
The overall head-to-head record between New Zealand and South Africa reflects a competitive yet slightly South Africa-dominated rivalry. Historically, South Africa has held the upper hand, particularly in Test and ODI formats, thanks to their strong pace attack and balanced squads. New Zealand, however, has steadily improved over the years, especially in ICC tournaments and home conditions. In T20 Internationals, the contest is much more balanced, with both teams sharing wins. The stats indicate South Africa leading overall, but New Zealand closing the gap in recent years. This rivalry is defined by tight matches rather than one-sided contests, making it one of the most underrated yet exciting battles in international cricket.
Format
Matches
New Zealand Wins
South Africa Wins
Draw/No Result
Tests
45+
10+
25+
Several
ODIs
70+
25+
40+
Few
T20Is
20+
10+
10+
Few
Overall
130+
Competitive
Slight Edge
Few
Test Cricket Stats and Long-Format Battles
Test cricket between New Zealand and South Africa has traditionally favored South Africa, particularly due to their dominance in pace-friendly conditions. Their fast bowlers have consistently troubled New Zealand’s batting lineup, leading to a higher number of victories. However, New Zealand has been strong at home, using swing-friendly conditions and disciplined bowling to challenge South Africa. The stats show South Africa leading in total Test wins, but New Zealand has achieved notable victories, especially in recent years. Drawn matches are also a significant feature, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the teams. Test encounters between these sides are often strategic and hard-fought, with bowlers playing a decisive role.
Category
New Zealand
South Africa
Total Wins
10+
25+
Home Wins
Strong
Very Strong
Away Wins
Limited
Strong
Series Wins
Few
More
Draw Matches
Several
Several
One Day International (ODI) Stats Overview
ODI cricket between New Zealand and South Africa has produced some of the most memorable matches, particularly in ICC tournaments. South Africa has historically held an advantage in total wins, but New Zealand has often delivered strong performances in crucial matches. The stats show South Africa leading in overall ODI victories, but New Zealand’s ability to perform under pressure has made them a formidable opponent. Matches between these teams often feature balanced contests, with both sides capable of posting and chasing competitive totals. The ODI format highlights the strengths of both teams, making it a key part of their rivalry.
Category
New Zealand
South Africa
Matches Won
25+
40+
Highest Score
350+
400+
Successful Chases
Many
Many
Win Percentage
Competitive
Higher
ICC Encounters
Multiple
Multiple
T20 International Stats and Match Trends
T20 Internationals have added a modern and dynamic element to the New Zealand vs South Africa rivalry. Both teams have performed strongly in this format, resulting in a balanced head-to-head record. New Zealand has often relied on its adaptability and teamwork, while South Africa has used power-hitting and pace bowling to dominate matches. The stats indicate an even contest, with both teams winning a similar number of games. Close finishes and high-scoring encounters are common, reflecting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. This format continues to keep the rivalry fresh and exciting.
Category
New Zealand
South Africa
Matches Won
10+
10+
Highest Score
210+
220+
Best Bowling
Strong
Strong
Win Ratio
Balanced
Balanced
Recent Form
Consistent
Competitive
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
The New Zealand vs South Africa rivalry has been shaped by consistent performances from world-class players on both sides. New Zealand has produced reliable batsmen and disciplined bowlers who excel in teamwork and execution. South Africa, on the other hand, is known for its pace attack and powerful batting lineup. Individual performances such as centuries and five-wicket hauls have often determined the outcome of matches. The stats highlight that both teams rely heavily on key players delivering in crucial moments, making individual brilliance an important factor in this rivalry.
Record Type
New Zealand
South Africa
Top Run Scorer
High
High
Top Wicket Taker
Strong
Strong
Centuries
Many
Many
Best Bowling Figures
Notable
Notable
Match Winners
Numerous
Numerous
Modern Era Stats and Rivalry Evolution
In the modern era, the rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa has become more balanced and competitive. New Zealand’s rise as a consistent performer in ICC tournaments has narrowed the gap, while South Africa continues to maintain strong performances across formats. The stats from recent years indicate closely fought contests, with both teams winning important matches. This evolution reflects the growing competitiveness of international cricket, where no team can be taken lightly. The rivalry continues to develop, promising exciting encounters in the future.
Aspect
New Zealand
South Africa
Recent Wins
Competitive
Competitive
ICC Performance
Strong
Strong
Team Strength
Balanced
Balanced
Overseas Success
Improving
Strong
Rivalry Status
Balanced
Slight Edge
Conclusion
The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team rivalry is a story of competitive balance and evolving strength. While South Africa holds a historical advantage, New Zealand’s consistent rise has made the contest more even across formats. With both teams known for discipline and resilience, their matches continue to deliver high-quality cricket and remain an important part of the international game.