South Africa and New Zealand have a long-standing rivalry in One Day Internationals (ODIs), having faced off in 73 matches since their first meeting. In these encounters, South Africa holds the upper hand with 42 wins, while New Zealand has claimed victory in 26 of them. The two teams have been evenly matched on occasion, with five matches ending without a result. This indicates that while South Africa has been the dominant force, New Zealand has often managed to put up a strong fight.
In the ICC Champions Trophy, the rivalry between the two nations has been more balanced. They have met twice in the tournament, with each team winning once. This 1-1 record reflects the evenly matched nature of their contests in this prestigious competition. Both teams will be looking to make history by winning their first ICC limited-overs title since the late 1990s, as they prepare to face each other once again in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore.
South Africa has generally had the upper hand in their ODI encounters, winning 42 of the 73 matches. However, New Zealand has proven to be a formidable opponent, securing 26 victories, a testament to their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level. The five no-results also highlight the sometimes unpredictable nature of these encounters, with weather and other factors playing a role in the outcome of certain matches.
When it comes to the Champions Trophy, their record is more even. With each team having won once in their two previous meetings, it shows that both sides have the ability to perform on the big stage of the ICC’s premier limited-overs event. This evenly split record sets the stage for another thrilling clash between the two teams in the upcoming semi-final.
One of the most significant recent encounters between these two teams took place on February 10, 2025, in Lahore. South Africa posted a competitive total of 304/6, but New Zealand chased it down with ease, winning by six wickets. This victory was a crucial one for New Zealand, giving them a huge boost of confidence heading into the semi-final. With the likes of Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra in form, New Zealand will be keen to carry that momentum forward into the upcoming match.
As the semi-final approaches, both teams are gearing up for a thrilling contest. With the stakes so high, fans can expect an intense battle between these two cricketing powerhouses. The winner of this clash will not only secure a place in the Champions Trophy final but will also be one step closer to claiming their first ICC limited-overs title in decades.
