🏏ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: M24: SA vs NZ at Ahmedabad🏏 - Page 2

Form guide

New Zealand: W W L W L (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)

South Africa: W W L W W

In the spotlight - Kagiso Rabada and Rachin Ravindra

He is one of South Africa's greatest cricketers of all time, but is Kagiso Rabada under some pressure to hold his place in their first XI in T20Is? He has the pace and skills to operate in any phase, but he has had an indifferent time in T20Is of late. Rabada averages 34.55 with the ball since 2025, with an economy rate of 9.82. But in his defence, he has only played nine T20Is in this time, thanks to injury and workload management. The chaotic 20th over against Afghanistan, during which Rabada overstepped twice, shouldn't put his spot in danger. But he'll want to pick himself up and remind the world of the impact he can make at his best.

Rachin Ravindra looks like he could be the archetypal modern-day T20 No. 3, but his international record in the format is… not good, with a strike rate of 135.19, an average of 19.09, and just three half-centuries in 40 innings. All that doesn't take away from Ravindra's potential - which he has shown in flashes in recent weeks, in a pair of cameos against India - and he could make a big difference on Saturday if he and his fellow left-handers in New Zealand's line-up could get stuck into Keshav Maharaj's left-arm spin.

Conditions

The same red-soil pitch that hosted the Afghanistan-South Africa epic will be used for this game. It was perhaps the ideal T20 pitch: flat, but with just enough in it for good fast and spin bowling to hold their own. It should play similarly on Saturday, though the toss could become more influential with this being a night game. A clear day is forecast, with an afternoon high of 33 degrees Celsius giving way to evening temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s.

NZ vs SA head-to-head records in T20I

Matches Played 18

New Zealand 11

South Africa 7

It's Match 24 and we're at the Narendra Modi stadium for the big Group D clash featuring New Zealand and South Africa. Presumed as the 'Group of Death', this group has seen some enthralling games, none better than the South Africa-Afghanistan clash which ended in the second super over. On the other hand, New Zealand have marched along with ease and have secured two thumping wins. Another win tonight and they'll all but lock a spot in the Super Eights. The bowling has been decent on two good batting pitches in Chepauk, but it's their top-order which has stoked fire. Tim Seifert has been the highest run-scorer of the tournament so far after knocks of 65 and 89* while Finn Allen has been in prolific form, both at the franchise and the international level. Add Glenn Phillips to his new role at 4, the batting has plenty of muscle and power. They played both their opening games in Chennai and Chepauk did roll out batting beauties.

The shift to Ahmedabad shouldn't be a concern, although dew could play a pivotal role tonight. On the other hand, South Africa have got a hang of the conditions here and have had enough recovery time post the match against Afghanistan. They do have a couple of concerns in their bowling, notably Kagiso Rabada, but South Africa will back their premier pacer to deliver the goods here. It's a night match in Ahmedabad and South Africa should go back to a pace-heavy option. In all likelihood, Corbin Bosch could be back and he should replace George Linde. With their batting firing in Chennai, will New Zealand be tempted at bringing in an extra pace option? If so, Kyle Jamieson could be drafted in place of the all-round skills of James Neesham. Toss and team sheets coming up shortly..

Today's Match Prediction:

Chasing team to win the match

NZ

PowerPlay 60 - 70

SECOND TO BAT70200-210

SA

PowerPlay 70 - 80

SECOND TO BAT

New Zealand are in excellent form, having performed strongly in their recent matches. South Africa will put up a tough fight, but New Zealand’s overall team balance gives them the edge. It’s expected to be a tight contest, but the Kiwis are likely to come out on top.

And so, here we are again. Back at the venue where South Africa may have played the most incredible game this format has seen all these years, and where New Zealand now arrive, with the Super Eights in sight and with ambitions as colossal as this stadium itself.

Maybe not quite the high-stakes, high-jeopardy contest this could have been had fate had other ideas but a salivating prospect nonetheless, with two high-quality sides lying in wait. So, sit back, relax and enjoy as I, Shashwat Kumar, bring ESPNcricinfo's live coverage to you!

New Zealand have had no such hiccups, and they have not even entertained the possibility of a heartbreak. Two clinical Chepauk run-chases have catapulted them to the top of the group and barring anything dramatic, they should find themselves in the next stage.

Thanks for the tags Savera ji

Best of luck to both the teams!

I’m rooting for NZ though!