Historically, rivalries between teams make the game exciting for lovers of the game. This is particularly so in One Day Internationals, especially those between South Africa vs New Zealand. Both of these teams boast a rich history in this format, and more often than not, the head-to-head statistics, records, and individual achievements are inadequately dissected. This detailed account is prepared to enable readers with information pertinent to engaging in a meaningful discussion on this exciting cricket rivalry.
South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team stats in an ODI narrates another story. The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline in ODIs, the first ODI between South Africa and New Zealand took place on February 29, 1992, during the Benson & Hedges World Cup in Australia. That match initiated a rivalry between them. South Africa, won by 6 wickets.
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South Africa vs New Zealand Head to Head Record in ODI
South Africa vs New Zealand have played 72 times with each other in the ODI format. Out of 72 matches, South Africa won 42, New Zealand won 25, and 5 matches had no results.
| Total Matches | 72 |
| South Africa Won | 42 |
| New Zealand Won | 25 |
| South Africa Lost | 25 |
| New Zealand Lost | 42 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 5 |
SA vs NZ Head to Head Record at Home Ground in ODI
South Africa Record at Home Ground Against New Zealand in ODI
South Africa played twenty-four, ODI matches against New Zealand at their home ground. South Africa won 17, New Zealand won 5, and 2 matches had no result.
| Total Matches | 24 |
| South Africa Won | 17 |
| New Zealand won | 5 |
| South Africa Lost | 5 |
| New Zealand Lost | 17 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 2 |
New Zealand at Home Ground Against South Africa in ODI
New Zealand played twenty-seven, ODI matches against South Africa at their home ground. Out of which New Zealand won 12, South Africa won 13, and 3 matches had no result.
| Total Matches | 27 |
| New Zealand Won | 12 |
| South Africa Won | 12 |
| New Zealand Lost | 12 |
| South Africa Lost | 12 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 3 |
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SA vs NZ Head to Head Record at Away Ground in ODI
Twenty-one matches were played, between South Africa and New Zealand national cricket teams. Out of which South Africa won 13, and New Zealand won 8 matches.
| Total Matches | 21 |
| South Africa Won | 13 |
| New Zealand won | 8 |
| South Africa Lost | 8 |
| New Zealand Lost | 13 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
SA vs NZ: South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team stats & records in ODI
Highest Score in SA vs NZ in ODI
- The highest score in a South Africa vs New Zealand ODI match is 357/4; achieved by South Africa in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on 01 Nov 2023.
Note: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, also previously known as Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium.
Highest Score by SA Against NZ in ODI
- The highest total between South Africa against New Zealand in an ODI game is 357/4; South Africa achieved this feat at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on 01 Nov 2023.
Highest Score by NZ Against SA in ODI
- New Zealand’s highest total against South Africa in the ODIs is 299/6, which they made in Eden Park, Auckland on 24 MAR 2015.
Lowest Score in SA vs NZ in ODI
- 108/10 is the lowest-ever total in an SA vs NZ ODI match; this total was attained by South Africa on 16 OCT 2006, at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
Lowest Score by SA Against NZ in ODI
- South Africa’s lowest total in the ODI against New Zealand is 108/10, recorded at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on 6 OCT 2006.
Lowest Score by NZ Against SA in ODI
- The lowest score by New Zealand against South Africa in the ODIs is 112/10, which they made at Sky Stadium, Wellington on 25 FEB 2017.
Note: Sky Stadium, Wellington, also previously known as Westpac Trust Stadium, Westpac Stadium.
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South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team Stats: Individual Records in SA vs NZ ODI
Most runs & Highest Score in South Africa vs New Zealand ODI
Jacques Kallis scored the most runs in South Africa vs New Zealand ODIs for South Africa against New Zealand, while Stephen Fleming scored the most runs for Kiwis in ODIs. Martin Guptill registered the highest score for a New Zealand batsman representing the country against South Africa in ODIs while David Callaghan did the same for South Africa against New Zealand.
| Stats | SA | NZ |
| Most Run | Jacques Kallis in 44 innings | Stephen Fleming in 37 innings |
| Highest Scorer | Martin Guptill (180*) | David Callaghan (169*) |
Most Wickets & Best Bowling in South Africa vs New Zealand ODI
Shaun Pollock took the most number of wickets in ODIs against New Zealand, while Chris Cairns from New Zealand took most number of scalps. Kyle Mills had the best bowling figure in an inning for a New Zealand bowler against South Africa in ODIs, while Makhaya Ntini had the best bowling figure for South Africa against New Zealand in an ODI match.
| Stats | SA | NZ |
| Most Wickets | Shaun Pollock (48) in 40 innings | Chris Cairns (33) in 30 innings |
| Best Bowling | Makhaya Ntini (5/31) | Kyle Mills (5/25) |
South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline: ODI
First ODI Match:
- Date: February 29, 1992
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Outcome: New Zealand won by 7 wickets (with 93 balls remaining)
Key Performers:
- New Zealand: Mark Greatbatch (68 runs)
- South Africa: Peter Kirsten (90 runs)
This win was quite significant for New Zealand. As this match set the blueprint for encounters to come, with both teams showing a lot of grit determination & competitive spirit.
The 2000s: A Period of Intense Rivalry
In the 2000s, the number of South Africa-New Zealand ODI matches shot up considerably as they played many an exciting series. Those days, both were leading outfits when it came to a proper bowling attack that supported consistent middle-order batting.
2010s: World Cup Show
The rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand reached its climax in the last decade, particularly in ICC events. Their matches played between the 2011 and 2015 World Cups were outstanding.
ICC World Cup 2011 Quarter-Final:
- Date: Mar 25, 2011
- Venue: Shere Bangla Stadium, Dhaka
- Outcome: New Zealand won by 49 runs
Top Performers:
- New Zealand: Jacob Oram (4 wickets), Jesse Ryder (83 runs)
- South Africa: Jacques Kallis (47 runs)
This match is remembered for the collapse of South Africa while chasing, which led to their exit. In New Zealand, the “dark horses” reached the semi-finals.
ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final 2015:
- Date: Mar 24, 2015
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Outcome: New Zealand won by 4 wickets (D/L method).
Top Performers:
- New Zealand: Grant Elliott (84* runs), Corey Anderson (58 runs)
- South Africa: Faf du Plessis (82 runs), AB de Villiers (65* runs)
This was one of the closest ODI matches, with Grant Elliott’s winning six sealing its place in history. Heartbreak again for South Africa as they were eliminated in the World Cup semi-finals.
| Date | Series | Venue | Result |
| 29/02/1992 | 1991-1992 Benson & Hedges World Cup | Eden Park | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 18/12/1993 | 1993-1994 Benson & Hedges World Series | Bellerive Oval | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 08/01/1994 | 1993-1994 Benson & Hedges World Series | Brisbane Cricket Ground | New Zealand won by 9 runs |
| 14/01/1994 | 1993-1994 Benson & Hedges World Series | WACA Ground | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 06/12/1994 | 1994-1995 Mandela Trophy | Newlands | South Africa won by 69 runs |
| 11/12/1994 | 1994-1995 Mandela Trophy | SuperSport Park | South Africa won by 81 runs |
| 23/02/1995 | 1994-1995 New Zealand Centenary Tournament | AMI Stadium | New Zealand won by 46 runs |
| 20/02/1996 | 1995-1996 Wills World Cup | Iqbal Stadium | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 06/12/1997 | 1997-1998 Carlton & United Series | Adelaide Oval | New Zealand won by 47 runs |
| 11/12/1997 | 1997-1998 Carlton & United Series | Bellerive Oval | South Africa won by 1 run |
| 09/01/1998 | 1997-1998 Carlton & United Series | Brisbane Cricket Ground | South Africa won by 2 runs |
| 16/01/1998 | 1997-1998 Carlton & United Series | WACA Ground | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| 14/02/1999 | 1998-1999 New Zealand v. South Africa | Carisbrook | New Zealand won by 3 wickets |
| 17/02/1999 | 1998-1999 New Zealand v. South Africa | AMI Stadium | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 20/02/1999 | 1998-1999 New Zealand v. South Africa | Eden Park | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 25/03/1999 | 1998-1999 New Zealand v. South Africa | McLean Park | No Result |
| 26/03/1999 | 1998-1999 New Zealand v. South Africa | McLean Park | South Africa won by 2 wickets |
| 27/03/1999 | 1998-1999 New Zealand v. South Africa | Eden Park | South Africa won by 143 runs |
| 30/03/1999 | 1998-1999 New Zealand v. South Africa | Basin Reserve | No Result |
| 10/06/1999 | 1999 ICC World Cup | Edgbaston | South Africa won by 74 runs |
| 25/08/2000 | 2000-2001 Godrej Singapore Challenge | Kallang Ground | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
| 20/10/2000 | 2000-2001 South Africa v. New Zealand | Senwes Park | No Result |
| 22/10/2000 | 2000-2001 South Africa v. New Zealand | Willowmoore Park | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 25/10/2000 | 2000-2001 South Africa v. New Zealand | SuperSport Park | South Africa won by 115 runs |
| 28/10/2000 | 2000-2001 South Africa v. New Zealand | Diamond Oval | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 01/11/2000 | 2000-2001 South Africa v. New Zealand | Kingsmead | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 04/11/2000 | 2000-2001 South Africa v. New Zealand | Newlands | South Africa won by 3 wickets |
| 15/01/2002 | 2001-2002 New Zealand v. South Africa | Bellerive Oval | South Africa won by 26 runs |
| 19/01/2002 | 2001-2002 New Zealand v. South Africa | Brisbane Cricket Ground | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 27/01/2002 | 2001-2002 New Zealand v. South Africa | Adelaide Oval | South Africa won by 93 runs |
| 01/02/2002 | 2001-2002 New Zealand v. South Africa | WACA Ground | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| 06/02/2002 | 2001-2002 New Zealand v. South Africa | Melbourne Cricket Ground | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
| 08/02/2002 | 2001-2002 New Zealand v. South Africa | Sydney Cricket Ground | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 16/02/2003 | 2002-2003 ICC World Cup | Wanderers Stadium | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| 13/02/2004 | 2003-2004 New Zealand v. South Africa | Eden Park | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 17/02/2004 | 2003-2004 New Zealand v. South Africa | AMI Stadium | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 20/02/2004 | 2003-2004 New Zealand v. South Africa | Sky Stadium | New Zealand won by 5 runs |
| 25/02/2004 | 2003-2004 New Zealand v. South Africa | Carisbrook | New Zealand won by 6 wickets |
| 29/02/2004 | 2003-2004 New Zealand v. South Africa | Eden Park | New Zealand won by 2 runs |
| 02/03/2004 | 2003-2004 New Zealand v. South Africa | McLean Park | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 23/10/2005 | 2005-2006 South Africa v. New Zealand | Mangaung Oval | South Africa won by 2 wickets |
| 28/10/2005 | 2005-2006 South Africa v. New Zealand | Newlands | South Africa won by 19 runs |
| 30/10/2005 | 2005-2006 South Africa v. New Zealand | St George’s Park | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| 04/11/2005 | 2005-2006 South Africa v. New Zealand | Kingsmead | No Result |
| 06/11/2005 | 2005-2006 South Africa v. New Zealand | SuperSport Park | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 16/10/2006 | 2006-2007 ICC Champions Trophy | Brabourne Stadium | New Zealand won by 87 runs |
| 14/04/2007 | 2006-2007 ICC World Cup | National Cricket Stadium (Grenada) | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 25/11/2007 | 2007-2008 South Africa v. New Zealand | Kingsmead | South Africa won by 2 wickets |
| 30/11/2007 | 2007-2008 South Africa v. New Zealand | St George’s Park | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 02/12/2007 | 2007-2008 South Africa v. New Zealand | Newlands | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 24/09/2009 | 2009-2010 ICC Champions Trophy | SuperSport Park | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 25/03/2011 | 2010-2011 ICC World Cup | Shere Bangla National Stadium | New Zealand won by 49 runs |
| 25/02/2012 | 2011-2012 New Zealand v. South Africa | Sky Stadium | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 29/02/2012 | 2011-2012 New Zealand v. South Africa | McLean Park | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 03/03/2012 | 2011-2012 New Zealand v. South Africa | Eden Park | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 19/01/2013 | 2012-2013 South Africa v. New Zealand | Boland Park | New Zealand won by 1 wicket |
| 22/01/2013 | 2012-2013 South Africa v. New Zealand | Diamond Oval | New Zealand won by 27 runs |
| 25/01/2013 | 2012-2013 South Africa v. New Zealand | Senwes Park | South Africa won by 1 wicket |
| 21/10/2014 | 2014-2015 New Zealand v. South Africa | Bay Oval | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 24/10/2014 | 2014-2015 New Zealand v. South Africa | Bay Oval | South Africa won by 72 runs |
| 27/10/2014 | 2014-2015 New Zealand v. South Africa | Seddon Park | No Result |
| 24/03/2015 | 2014-2015 ICC World Cup | Eden Park | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 19/08/2015 | 2015-2016 South Africa v. New Zealand | SuperSport Park | South Africa won by 20 runs |
| 23/08/2015 | 2015-2016 South Africa v. New Zealand | Senwes Park | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 26/08/2015 | 2015-2016 South Africa v. New Zealand | Kingsmead | South Africa won by 62 runs |
| 19/02/2017 | 2016-2017 New Zealand v. South Africa | Seddon Park | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| 22/02/2017 | 2016-2017 New Zealand v. South Africa | Hagley Oval | New Zealand won by 6 runs |
| 25/02/2017 | 2016-2017 New Zealand v. South Africa | Sky Stadium | South Africa won by 159 runs |
| 01/03/2017 | 2016-2017 New Zealand v. South Africa | Seddon Park | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 04/03/2017 | 2016-2017 New Zealand v. South Africa | Eden Park | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 19/06/2019 | 2019 ICC World Cup | Edgbaston | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 01/11/2023 | 2023 ICC World Cup | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium | South Africa won by 190 runs |
South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team match scorecard: Last Five T20s Matches
South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team match scorecard: ICC World Cup ODI- 32nd Match
01/11/2023:
- Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Pune
- New Zealand won the toss, elected to field
- South Africa 357/4 (50 overs)
- New Zealand 167/10 (35.5 Overs)
- South Africa won by 190 runs
- Man of the Match- Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team match scorecard: ICC World Cup ODI- 25th Match
19/06/2019:
- Edgbaston, Birmingham
- New Zealand won the toss, elected to field
- South Africa 241/6 (49 overs)
- New Zealand 245/6 (48.3 Overs)
- New Zealand by 4 wickets with 3 balls remaining
- Man of the Match- Kane Williamson
South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team match scorecard- 5th Match
04/03/2017:
- Eden Park, Auckland
- New Zealand won the toss, elected to field
- South Africa 150/4 (32.2 overs)
- New Zealand 141/10 (41.1 Overs)
- South Africa won by 6 with 106 balls remaining
- Man of the Match- Kagiso Rabada
South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team match scorecard- 4th Match
01/03/2017:
- Seddon Park, Hamilton
- New Zealand won the toss, elected to field
- South Africa 279/8 (50 overs)
- New Zealand 280/3 (45 Overs)
- New Zealand won by 7 with 30 balls remaining
- Man of the Match- Martin Guptill
South Africa national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team match scorecard- 3rd Match
25/02/2017:
- Sky Stadium Wellington
- South Africa won the toss, elected to bat
- South Africa 271/8 (49 overs)
- New Zealand 112/10 (32.2 Overs)
- South Africa won by 159 runs
- Man of the Match- AB de Villiers
