T20 World Cup: New Zealand vs South Africa – Preview, how to watch, team news and prediction
The lowdown on New Zealand vs South Africa at the T20 World Cup
Two T20 heavyweights meet at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday, when New Zealand and South Africa will hope to finish the day top of Group D.
The Black Caps followed up a five-wicket win over Afghanistan with a 10-wicket thrashing of the UAE on Tuesday.
“Growing up, whether it was rugby or cricket, New Zealand versus South Africa were always the games you wanted to be part of,” says New Zealand pacer Matt Henry.
“There’s that natural competitive edge between the two countries and nothing changes in a World Cup. It’s a fierce competition and something we absolutely love being involved in.
“South Africa are strong in all areas. They’ve got power with the bat, variety with the ball and a lot of experience.
“When you come up against a side like that, you know you’ve got to be sharp in every facet of the game.”
South Africa beat Canada by 57 runs on Sunday, helped by a total of 213/4 and four wickets for Lungi Ngidi.
They then edged past Afghanistan in a thriller three days later, winning via a Double Super Over after a tie at 187 runs.
“I don’t think many of us have been a part of it before,” reflected Proteas captain Aiden Markram, calling the experience “certainly nerve-wracking”.
“It’s about winning the smaller moments in the game and not putting too much importance on the end result.”
Opener Ryan Rickelton lacked “the words to describe” the feeling of a thrilling victory. “We are just happy to come out on the right side of it,” he added.
“We know we have to be better against a side as clinical as New Zealand.”
Super Over Stresses 😄#TheProteas unpack the nerve-wracking tension and emotional rollercoaster that comes with being thrown into a Super Over. 🏏🤯#Unbreakable #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/s2QeGGUkp4
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 12, 2026
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New Zealand vs South Africa team news
Both sides could name unchanged teams, so look out for some tantalising showdowns including big-hitting Markram and Quinton de Kock against the prolific Ngidi.
New Zealand’s Tim Seifert and Finn Allen reached an unbeaten opening partnership of 175 runs in 92 balls against the UAE.
New Zealand vs South Africa predicted line ups
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
How to watch New Zealand vs South Africa: TV channel, live online stream
New Zealand vs South Africa starts at 13:30 GMT on Saturday. The T20 World Cup will be shown exclusively live in the UK on Sky Sports. You can stream it on a vast variety of devices and on the move via the Sky Go app.
For coverage elsewhere in the world, click HERE for details of your local rights holder.
New Zealand vs South Africa: T20 World Cup prediction
New Zealand’s spinners could give them the edge on the Ahmedabad pitch, as could in-form Seifert in a narrow win for his team.
South Africa backers will find encouragement in their record of victories in all four editions of this fixture at the tournament, although they have lost four of the last five outside of the finals.