ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – New Zealand vs South Africa Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs South Africa taking place? Wednesday 19th June – 10:30 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs South Africa taking place? Edgbaston, Birmingham
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs South Africa? 16-17c with a 30-40c chance of rain in the morning
What television channel is New Zealand vs South Africa on in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream New Zealand vs South Africa? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand vs South Africa? There are plenty of tickets available with Stubhub for as little as £35 for this match.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: South Africa beat New Zealand by 6 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
Coach: Gary Stead
Captain: Kane Williamson
- New Zealand’s abandoned match against India ensured they remain unbeaten in the World Cup so far and they will face arguably their toughest test against a South African side that have to win to keep their hopes alive at Edgbaston.
- Given the fact they have won all three of their completed matches so far, there is a strong chance that they name an unchanged side for this match but they know they face a step up in quality after their opening matches against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
- There is likely to be a fair amount of turn at Edgbaston for this match so they may contemplate bringing Ish Sodhi into the side and that would likely see one of their pace bowlers drop out, unless he is a direct replacement for Santner.
SOUTH AFRICA
Coach: Ottis Gibson
Captain: Faf du Plessis
- After three defeats and one match abandoned against the West Indies, South Africa finally kick-started their 2019 Cricket World Cup campaign last time out by romping to victory against a poor Afghanistan side who they beat by nine wickets.
- Leg-spinner Imran Tahir was the undoubted star of the show against Afghanistan taking 4/29 and they will look to him once again for inspiration on an Edgbaston track that is expected to be favourable to the spinners.
- South Africa’s batting has been their main weakness in the tournament so far and that will face a major examination against New Zealand’s bowling attack that has been among the best in the tournament so far.
THE PREDICTION
South Africa come into this game knowing that nothing short of a win will suffice if they are to keep their dreams of a top four place alive. They face a New Zealand outfit that has yet to taste defeat in the tournament so far, but Faf du Plessis’ men will test them here. Both batting line-ups are somewhat fragile and the outcome of this game will likely depend on which team’s key men can produce the goods. New Zealand’s bowling attack has the marginal edge based on current form and that could just decide it in their favour.
