The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is heating up with a blockbuster Group D match as NZ vs SA is set to take place in Match 24 of the tournament. The Kiwis and the Proteas will lock horns at the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium on February 14. The Kiwis have been dominating their encounters, and both teams are looking to qualify for the Super Eights.
NZ vs SA Match Details
Match: New Zealand vs South Africa, Match 24, ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: 7:00 PM (IST)
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
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Live Broadcast: JioStar Network Channels
Live Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Website)
NZ vs SA: Current Form & Tournament Scenario
New Zealand – One Win Away from Super Eights
The New Zealand team have been in impeccable nick in the tournament so far. They started off with a comprehensive win over Afghanistan in Chennai and then chased down the target in a dominating display against the United Arab Emirates.
Under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, the BlackCaps are full of confidence. A win in this NZ vs SA match will ensure that they qualify for the Super Eights with a group stage match still to be played. It is also important to note that the New Zealand team have won four out of the last five T20Is against South Africa.
South Africa – Seeking Stability After Thriller
The South Africans are still trying to come to terms with their thrilling double super-over victory against Afghanistan at the same ground. Although their win was a testament to their never-say-die spirit, the Proteas would hope for a more composed display this time around. With near close win in the last match they will look out for a greater win to improve their net run rate.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium has seen 10 T20Is, and only three have been won by teams who batted first.
Key Pitch Insights:
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Chasing teams have always had success
The surface gets better as the cracks open
Good carry and bounce for stroke play
High-scoring matches are common
Looking at the history of the ground, it is expected to be another high-scoring match between NZ and SA.
NZ vs SA Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches Played: 18
New Zealand Wins: 7
South Africa Wins: 11
Tied/No Result: 0
First Meeting: October 21, 2005 (NZ won)
Most Recent Meeting: July 26, 2025 (NZ won)
Although South Africa lead the overall head-to-head, recent momentum favors New Zealand.
NZ vs SA Predicted Playing XIs
New Zealand Predicted XI
Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy
South Africa Predicted XI
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde
NZ vs SA Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Tim Seifert (NZ)
Tim Seifert was instrumental in New Zealand’s crushing chase against the UAE. His aggressive yet disciplined play at the top, alongside Finn Allen, set the tone for the victory. Seifert’s performances are likely to be the turning point in the NZ-SA clash.
Probable Best Bowler: Kagiso Rabada (SA)
Kagiso Rabada may not have had his best game in the last match, but he is always a force to be reckoned with. Having played at this ground during his IPL stint, Rabada knows the conditions well and could be the X-factor for South Africa in Ahmedabad.
NZ vs SA Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
The batting line-ups of each side are considered ‘explosive’ and they have equally strong bowling attacks, however due to the two sides’ relative performance against one another of late, and their form right now, the New Zealand team may have a marginal advantage.
Prediction: New Zealand to win a high-scoring thriller.
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