Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
CWC 2019 Match 25: New Zealand v South Africa Preview Dream11. NZ v SA Dream11 Prediction
Get ready. It’s crunch time, with a rematch of the classic 2015 World Cup Semi Final awaiting us.
We have had reason to believe that the top four race has a twist or two yet. South Africa is a side that can stir the pot, coming off a long-awaited first victory in CWC 2019. Sure, the Cardiff weather was more of a threat to the Proteas than struggling Afghanistan, but they find themselves in a situation where they can put some pressure on the Black Caps
New Zealand, still one of two undefeated sides in CWC 2019, finally play their next game after their potential blockbuster against India was washed out. How well Kane Williamson’s side hit the ground running after a longish break will be key, with an opportunity to really consolidate their position in their top four.
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Key to a South Africa win
Runs for Hashim Amla was a welcome feature of South Africa’s thumping victory over Afghanistan. However, New Zealand’s mix swing and pace will be a tougher test, so can Amla overcome his worries up front in recent times? With Quinton de Kock threatening to find his best form, the Proteas’ opening partnership can set the tone in a crucial game. Then, can the middle order build on starts – something that has been an achilles heel of South Africa in CWC 2019? Faf du Plessis will undoubtedly be key, but who else will put their hands up to make a big contribution?
Also read: Afghanistan vs South Africa 5 key talking points: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management
Also, South Africa have received a big boost with the return of Lungi Ngidi. The Proteas’ attack has looked more potent in their two most recent games (India and Afghanistan), which is something they must build on here. Kagiso Rabada’s pace and skill, Lungi Ngidi’s bounce, Chris Morris’ decent form and Andile Phehlukwayo’s accuracy are ingredients capable of producing a beautiful dish. Can South Africa make key inroads in the powerplay, setting things up for Imran Tahir to target the middle order?
Key to a New Zealand win
Can the Black Caps bowlers re-open some of South Africa’s batting wounds? The battle between Trent Boult and Quinton de Kock, given de Kock’s issues at times against left-arm seam, will be one of the key duels that can shape this game. South Africa have shown a tendency to lose wickets regularly in CWC 2019, so an opportunity awaits New Zealand’s bowlers to open this game up with swing via Boult and Matt Henry, aggression courtesy of Lockie Ferguson and control in the middle overs through Mitchell Santner.
Also, New Zealand’s openers against South Africa’s pace threat is another one of the excellent duels to look forward to in this clash. Faf du Plessis will want to introduce Imran Tahir to new batsmen looking to get set, so a platform up top is crucial for New Zealand to get into the game. With Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the runs, the Black Caps can be hopeful of setting a platform for their hard-hitting all-rounders to pounce.
Pitch and conditions
Cloudy conditions are expected for most of the day. Rain – even storms, is a good chance of occurring throughout the day. The pitch is said to be on the slow side, with an off-white colour suggesting a dry surface that can help spin.
Possible Playing 11
Lungi Ngidi will come back into the South Africa team, likely to be for either Beuran Hendricks or Chris Morris. Morris has bowled well in the last two games, so he could be persisted with. Also, Tabraiz Shamsi and JP Duminy could be considered if the Proteas feel the pitch will spin.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Aiden Markram, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller/JP Duminy, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Chris Morris, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Imran Tahir
Also read: Afghanistan vs South Africa 5 key talking points: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management
Henry Nicholls for Colin Munro for New Zealand? Also, Ish Sodhi could get a run.
New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Colin Munro/Henry Nicholls, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. James Neesham, 7. Colin de Grandhomme/Ish Sodhi, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult
Dream11 Prediction
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Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 7, New Zealand 5, South Africa 2.
- The last meeting between the teams in a World Cup was the unforgettable 2015 Semi Final.
- Kane Williamson averages just 15.8 against Imran Tahir in eight games.
- New Zealand and India remain the two unbeaten sides in CWC 2019.
Match Prediction
What a match this promises to be, provided the weather allows for it.
New Zealand are in a good place. South Africa are desperate. I have a feeling desperation will win in this one, with the Proteas to get a crucial win that keeps them in the hunt for a top four spot.
Also read: Be sure to check out my “key talking points” after each CWC 2019 game! The latest:
India vs Pakistan: India too good for hapless Pakistan
Afghanistan vs South Africa: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management
Australia vs Sri Lanka: Finch and Starc superb for Australia
Download: Making cricket an interactive experience! Discover Harrison Cricket Apps ODI version.
Thanks for reading!
