ICC World Cup 2019: New Zealand vs South Africa - Match Preview, Predicted XI, Pitch, Weather, Stats

The 2015 World Cup semi-finalists New Zealand and South Africa will switch swords in the 25th match of the tournament. South Africa is in a must-win situation and they would need to bring their A-game to the table against New Zealand. The Proteas will aim to get going against the confident side of New Zealand. We bring you the Match Preview, Predicted XI, Pitch Report, Weather, Prediction and Stats.

On the other hand, New Zealand has got off to dream start in the tournament. The Kiwis have won their opening three matches whereas their last match against India was washed out. Hence, New Zealand will look to continue their good form going.

South Africa needs to win everything.

In fact, New Zealand batting hasn’t been tested to full throttle in the tournament. They were put on the backfoot against Bangladesh where they had lost wickets in a cluster. However, apart from that match, the remaining two wins against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka has been relatively easy. Thus, South Africa will like to test the middle order of the Blackcaps.

Also Read : ICC World Cup 2019: New Zealand vs South Africa – Match Prediction

On the other hand, South Africa’s batting hasn’t lived up to the expectations. The Proteas will like to pull up the socks against the potent New Zealand bowling – which has been on fire in the World Cup. The form of David Miller and Hashim Amla will be a concern for the Rainbow nation. South Africa has also received the boost of Lungi Ngidi who has been declared fit for the match.

New Zealand will be favourites.

New Zealand’s bowling has ticked the right boxes. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry have bowled with fire and they would like to continue their good form going against South Africa. In fact, Trent Boult hasn’t been amongst the wickets and he would aim to turn the tables.

Date and Venue: 19th June, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Trent Boult, Tom Latham (wk), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson.

South Africa’s Predicted Playing XI: Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), JP Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, R van der Dussen, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Beuran Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi.

Pitch Report: This would be the first match of the World Cup at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Thus, it would be interesting to note how the pitch would play. The bowlers can make an impact.

Also Read : ICC World Cup 2019: New Zealand vs South Africa – South Africa’s Predicted Playing XI, Analysis

Match Prediction:

New Zealand is going to start the match as favourites as their current form is better than South Africa. The Kiwis will look to come up with a complete performance against the Proteas.

Weather Report:

Scattered showers are expected on the match day. Thus, the rain can have an effect on the game. The temperature is going to be around 18 degree Celsius.

Stats

Imran Tahir needs another two wickets to leapfrog Allan Donald’s tally of World Cup wickets. The White lightning had scalped 38 wickets whereas Tahir has 37 wickets.