With the World Cup final less than a week old, the players are back in action again on Sunday. Although any suggestions that these are the same teams would be incorrect.
The Proteas have made wholesale changes to the side that lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the World Cup with only three players who did duty in India making the trip to New Zealand. Keshav Maharaj will lead the team, and he is joined by George Linde and Jason Smith – the latter certainly not in need of a rest after the World Cup as he featured just once all tournament.
New Zealand too have made several changes with a host of their stars, including Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Tim Allen, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson and Rachin Ravindra all sitting out. For both sides it will be an opportunity for youngster and veterans to express themselves, to learn and to enjoy some time in the limelight. Although they aren’t the first teams, expect a gripping encounter between New Zealand (who are now second on the world) and the fifth-ranked South Africans.
What gives the Proteas tour to New Zealand a little bit of added spice is the fact that Women’s Teams from each country will play each other at the same venue on the same day, making for a good day out for fans.
Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
The average first innings score at Mount Maunganui is 155.
The highest total recorded at the venue is New Zealand’s 243 for five made in 20 overs against the West Indies in 2018.
The highest score successfully chased at the venue was Australia’s 185/4, made in 16.3 overs, against New Zealand in 2025.
Sunday’s game will be the 25th T20I at the venue. Of the previous 24 games played at the ground the side that has batted first has won 15 times, while the side that bowls first has won five.
New Zealand have won just nine of the 18 games they have played at the venue. They have lost five times at the ground and been involved in four No Results.
South Africa have never played a T20I at Bay Oval.
Weather:
Mount Maunganui expects pleasant, settled weather on Sunday, perfect for an evening game of cricket. Temperatures will hover around 19°C under partly cloudy skies as the sun begins to set. With light westerly breezes and no chance of rain, conditions look set to be comfortable.
Form (most recent game first):
New Zealand: L, W, L, W, NR
South Africa: L, W, W, W, W
Key player:
New Zealand, Ish Sodhi: He was at the World Cup, but his opportunities were limited and he returned home without a wicket. That said, with 162 scalps to his credit, Sodhi is still the second highest T20I wicket taker for New Zealand (he needs just two more equal Tim Southee). Sodhi is also the Black Caps most capped player in T20Is which means he is a seasoned campaigner. He averages 23.06 per wicket and has a strike rate of 16.97.
South Africa, Jason Smith: Smith spent the bulk of the World Cup carrying drinks and wondering how he got such limited game time – especially when players who were drafted into the team after him got to play more often. But Smith is a patient man, and he always strives to give his best. He should get a sustained run in the side in New Zealand, and he will be eager to make it count. Smith has plated just six T20Is for South Africa, and he currently averages 36.00 with the bat.
Verdict: New Zealand
New Zealand didn’t just knock South Africa out of the World Cup, they have also beaten the Proteas in four of their last five meetings. While form is hard to gauge given the major changes that have been made to both sides, New Zealand’s squad has stayed more intact than South Africa’s. The Kiwi’s also have home advantage, which should be enough to see them over the line.
