NZ vs SA, ICC World Cup 2023: Nail-biter on the cards as New Zealand and South Africa clash in Pune

The winner at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium tomorrow will set one foot in the last four, while the losing team may well have to face the table-topper in the semifinal.

FILE PHOTO: New Zealand’s captain Tom Latham (l), and Mitch Santner, (r), talks to Rachin Ravindra during a match. | Photo Credit: AP

Even before the Men’s World Cup began, Wednesday’s clash was expected to be one of the highlights of the league stage. The manner in which the tournament has progressed makes it an even more tantalising affair.

After all, New Zealand and South Africa are among the favourites to enter the semifinals. The winning outfit at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium will set one foot in the last four, while the losing team may well have to face the table-topper in the semifinal.

Their performance in the 2023 edition may be similar but when it comes to the World Cup history, both the teams are poles apart. While New Zealand has consistently punched above its weight in the tournament, the C-word has been synonymous with South Africa ever since its World Cup debut in 1992.

Add to that the fact that the Proteas have not defeated the Black Caps since the 1999 World Cup - the odds are firmly stacked against Temba Bavuma’s side. But as Rassie van der Dussen insisted during the media conference, the present lot does not carry the baggage of the past, be it about its World Cup record against the Kiwis or the tag.

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More than the choker tag, the Proteas will be concerned about the other C-word - chase - as the World Cup nears its business end. Despite piling on tons of runs while setting a target, the Proteas have struggled while chasing totals in the recent past, more so in the tournament.

After failing to cross the line against the Netherlands, South Africa nearly made a mess of its chase versus Pakistan in its last outing. While New Zealand will be hoping to exploit the weakness, Tom Latham’s men will be hoping to find the right balance.

Kane Williamson may have been seen batting in the nets for the first time since fracturing his thumb in his only outing so far against Bangladesh, but the veteran is yet to be match-fit. Besides, Lockie Ferguson’s Achilles injury against Australia is set to offer Tim Southee his first game of the Cup.

James Neesham is set to be persisted with over Mark Chapman but New Zealand will be hoping for Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell to continue their exploits to match the Proteas onslaught.

With both sides having been involved in thrilling games in their last games, the fans will be hoping for yet another nail-biting finish come Wednesday.