The rivalry between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team is known for discipline, resilience, and closely fought matches. Both teams have built reputations for consistency, making their encounters competitive across all formats.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
South Africa Score
New Zealand Score
Result
Series
Bilateral T20I
Christchurch
Mar 25, 2026
South Africa (bat)
187/4 (20 overs)
154/8 (20 overs)
South Africa won by 33 runs
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
–
Mar 22, 2026
South Africa (bat)
164/5 (20 overs)
145 (18.5 overs)
South Africa won by 19 runs
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Auckland
Mar 20, 2026
New Zealand (field)
136/9 (20 overs)
137/2 (16.2 overs)
New Zealand won by 8 wkts
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Hamilton
Mar 17, 2026
New Zealand (bat)
107 (15.3 overs)
175/6 (20 overs)
New Zealand won by 68 runs
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
–
Mar 15, 2026
South Africa (field)
92/3 (16.4 overs)
91 (20 overs)
South Africa won by 7 wkts
Bilateral T20I
T20 World Cup (Group D)
Ahmedabad (Narendra Modi Stadium)
Feb 14, 2026
New Zealand (bat)
178/3 (17.1 overs)
175/7 (20 overs)
South Africa won by 7 wkts
T20 World Cup
T20 World Cup (Semi-Final)
Kolkata (Eden Gardens)
Mar 4, 2026
South Africa (bat)
169/8 (20 overs)
173/1 (12.5 overs)
New Zealand won by 9 wkts
T20 World Cup
Format-wise Stats
Format
Matches Played
South Africa Wins
New Zealand Wins
Draws / No Result
South Africa Win %
Test
49
26
7
16
53.06%
ODI
74
42
27
5
56.76%
T20I
25+
15
10
0
60%
Key Performance Stats
Category
Record Holder
Details
Format
Highest Team Total
South Africa
621
Test
Lowest Team Total
New Zealand
15
Test
Highest Individual Score
Kane Williamson (NZ)
177*
ODI/T20I
Most Runs (Overall)
Multiple players
Top performers include David Miller, Aiden Markram (SA) & Kane Williamson (NZ)
All
Best Bowling Figures
Various
Spin & pace stars shine in limited-overs
All
Most Wins in T20I
South Africa
15 wins vs 10
T20I
Match Result Breakdown
Result Type
South Africa Wins
New Zealand Wins
Notable Highlights
Batting 1st Wins
Higher in ODIs
Strong in recent T20Is
SA dominates chases in T20 World Cup
Batting 2nd Wins
Clinical in T20I
Explosive in knockouts
Finn Allen’s record 100* in 33 balls (T20 WC 2026 SF)
Home Wins
SA strong at home
NZ dominant in NZ
Thrilling bilateral T20I series 2026
Away / Neutral Wins
Balanced
Competitive
SA edged recent T20I bilateral 3-2
ICC Knockout Matches
Limited success
3 wins (incl. T20 WC SF 2026)
High-stakes drama
Overall Head-to-Head Records Across Formats
The overall head-to-head record between South Africa and New Zealand reflects a balanced yet slightly South Africa-favored rivalry. Historically, South Africa has dominated in Tests and ODIs due to a strong pace attack and consistent batting lineup. However, New Zealand has significantly improved over the years, narrowing the gap with impressive performances, especially in ICC tournaments. In T20 Internationals, the rivalry is nearly even, with both teams sharing victories. The stats highlight that while South Africa holds a historical edge, New Zealand has emerged as a strong competitor in recent times, making the rivalry more balanced and unpredictable.
Format
Matches
South Africa Wins
New Zealand Wins
Draw/No Result
Tests
45+
25+
10+
Several
ODIs
70+
40+
25+
Few
T20Is
20+
10+
10+
Few
Overall
130+
Slight Edge
Competitive
Few
Test Cricket Stats and Long-Format Battles
Test cricket between South Africa and New Zealand has traditionally been dominated by South Africa. Their fast bowlers have consistently performed well, particularly in home conditions. New Zealand, however, has shown resilience, especially in recent years, with strong performances in home series. The stats indicate South Africa leading in total Test wins, but New Zealand has managed to secure important victories. Drawn matches are also common, reflecting the competitive nature of the rivalry. Test matches between these teams are often strategic, with bowlers playing a decisive role in determining outcomes.
Category
South Africa
New Zealand
Total Wins
25+
10+
Home Wins
Very Strong
Strong
Away Wins
Strong
Limited
Series Wins
More
Few
Draw Matches
Several
Several
One Day International (ODI) Stats Overview
ODI cricket between South Africa and New Zealand has produced several memorable matches, including crucial ICC tournament encounters. South Africa has historically held an advantage in total ODI wins, but New Zealand has often delivered strong performances in high-pressure situations. The stats show South Africa leading, but the gap is not significant, making the rivalry competitive. Matches in this format often feature balanced contests, with both teams capable of posting and chasing challenging totals.
Category
South Africa
New Zealand
Matches Won
40+
25+
Highest Score
400+
350+
Successful Chases
Many
Many
Win Percentage
Higher
Competitive
ICC Encounters
Multiple
Multiple
T20 International Stats and Match Trends
T20 Internationals have added a dynamic element to the South Africa vs New Zealand rivalry. Both teams have performed strongly in this format, resulting in a balanced head-to-head record. South Africa relies on aggressive batting and pace bowling, while New Zealand focuses on teamwork and adaptability. The stats indicate an even contest, with both teams winning a similar number of matches. Close finishes and high-scoring games are common, making this format highly entertaining for fans.
Category
South Africa
New Zealand
Matches Won
10+
10+
Highest Score
220+
210+
Strike Rate
Aggressive
Balanced
Best Bowling
Strong
Strong
Recent Form
Competitive
Consistent
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
The South Africa vs New Zealand rivalry has been shaped by consistent performances from world-class players. South Africa has produced strong fast bowlers and powerful batsmen, while New Zealand is known for its disciplined bowling and reliable batting lineup. Individual performances such as centuries and five-wicket hauls have often determined match outcomes. The stats highlight that both teams rely on key players to deliver in crucial moments, adding depth and excitement to the rivalry.
Record Type
South Africa
New Zealand
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 South Africa vs New Zealand rivalry has become more balanced. 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 contested matches, with both teams winning important games. This evolution reflects the increasing competitiveness of international cricket, where both teams are capable of dominating on their day.
Aspect
South Africa
New Zealand
Recent Wins
Competitive
Competitive
Team Strength
Strong
Strong
ICC Performance
Strong
Strong
Player Depth
Deep
Balanced
Rivalry Status
Balanced
Balanced
Conclusion
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team rivalry is a story of balance, discipline, and evolving competition. While South Africa holds a slight historical advantage, New Zealand’s consistent improvement has made the rivalry more even. With both teams known for their resilience and quality, their matches continue to deliver exciting cricket and remain an important part of the international game.
