Table of Contents
South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team stats provide a detailed look at one of the most competitive matchups in international cricket. The two teams have faced each other in Test matches, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, producing memorable contests across different generations.
South Africa have historically dominated the Test rivalry, while they also hold a strong advantage in ODI cricket. New Zealand, however, have produced several important victories in major ICC tournaments, including their recent wins over South Africa in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final and the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final.
The rivalry became especially interesting in 2026. South Africa defeated New Zealand in the T20 World Cup group stage, but New Zealand defeated South Africa in the semi-final. Later in March 2026, the two teams played a five-match T20I series in New Zealand, with South Africa winning three matches and New Zealand winning two.
Contents Overview
- South Africa vs New Zealand overall head-to-head stats
- Test head-to-head statistics
- ODI head-to-head statistics
- T20I head-to-head statistics
- Recent South Africa vs New Zealand results
- 2026 T20 World Cup rivalry
- 2026 T20I series
- 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final
- Famous matches and performances
- Home and away records
- Key players
- South Africa vs New Zealand stats comparison
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
South Africa vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Stats
South Africa have the stronger overall record against New Zealand in Test and ODI cricket. The Test rivalry has produced 49 matches, with South Africa winning 26 and New Zealand winning seven. Sixteen Tests have ended in draws.
In ODI cricket, South Africa have also maintained a significant advantage. The teams have played 74 ODIs, with South Africa winning 42 and New Zealand winning 27. Five matches have ended without a result.
T20I cricket is much closer. Current records list 25 T20Is, with South Africa winning 15 and New Zealand winning 10.
| Format | Matches | South Africa Wins | New Zealand Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 49 | 26 | 7 | 16 Draws |
| ODIs | 74 | 42 | 27 | 5 NR |
| T20Is | 25 | 15 | 10 | 0 |
| Total | 148 | 83 | 44 | 21 |
These figures demonstrate South Africa’s historical superiority, although New Zealand have often performed better than the overall numbers suggest in ICC knockout matches.
South Africa vs New Zealand Test Stats
Test cricket is where South Africa have enjoyed their biggest statistical advantage over New Zealand.
The teams have played 49 Tests. South Africa have won 26, New Zealand have won seven and 16 matches have ended in draws. South Africa’s record includes 17 wins at home and nine away victories, while New Zealand have recorded four home wins and three away wins.
| Test Statistic | South Africa | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 49 | 49 |
| Wins | 26 | 7 |
| Losses | 7 | 26 |
| Draws | 16 | 16 |
| Home Wins | 17 | 4 |
| Away Wins | 9 | 3 |
| Neutral Wins | 0 | 0 |
South Africa’s dominance is particularly noticeable in series played in South Africa. They have regularly controlled the conditions with their fast bowling and strong batting line-ups.
However, New Zealand have produced some major Test victories in recent years.
Recent South Africa vs New Zealand Test Results
The 2021–22 Test series ended 1–1. New Zealand won the first Test in Christchurch by an innings and 276 runs, one of the largest victories in the history of the rivalry. South Africa responded by winning the second Test by 198 runs.
The 2023–24 series was even more significant for New Zealand. Playing at home, the Black Caps won both Tests and completed a 2–0 series victory.
New Zealand won the first Test at Mount Maunganui by 281 runs after posting 511 in their first innings. They then won the second Test at Hamilton by seven wickets.
| Series | Result |
|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Drawn 1–1 |
| 2023–24 | New Zealand won 2–0 |
| 2016–17 | South Africa won 1–0 |
| 2012–13 | South Africa won 2–0 |
| 2007–08 | South Africa won 2–0 |
Despite New Zealand’s recent success, South Africa remain comfortably ahead in the overall Test head-to-head record.
South Africa vs New Zealand ODI Stats
The ODI rivalry has been dominated by South Africa statistically.
South Africa and New Zealand have played 74 ODIs. South Africa have won 42, New Zealand have won 27, and five matches have ended without a result.
| ODI Statistic | South Africa | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 74 | 74 |
| Wins | 42 | 27 |
| Losses | 27 | 42 |
| No Results | 5 | 5 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| Home Wins | 17 | 12 |
| Away Wins | 12 | 5 |
| Neutral Wins | 13 | 10 |
The first ODI between South Africa and New Zealand took place during the 1992 World Cup. New Zealand won that match by seven wickets at Eden Park in Auckland.
Since then, South Africa have built a strong overall record, especially in bilateral ODI series.
Recent South Africa vs New Zealand ODI Results
New Zealand have enjoyed some important recent ODI victories despite South Africa’s superior overall record.
In February 2025, New Zealand defeated South Africa by six wickets in the second match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series. New Zealand scored 308/4 while South Africa made 304/6.
The biggest recent ODI meeting came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final. New Zealand scored 362/6 and defeated South Africa, who made 312/9, by 50 runs.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | Champions Trophy Semi-final | New Zealand won by 50 runs |
| February 2025 | ODI Tri-Series | New Zealand won by 6 wickets |
| November 2023 | World Cup | South Africa won by 190 runs |
| June 2019 | World Cup | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
These results show how competitive the teams can be despite the historical statistical advantage belonging to South Africa.
2025 ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final was one of the most important recent South Africa vs New Zealand matches.
New Zealand scored 362/6, setting South Africa a huge target. South Africa responded with 312/9, but New Zealand completed a 50-run victory and reached the final.
The match demonstrated New Zealand’s ability to perform under pressure in ICC knockout matches.
It also continued an interesting pattern in which New Zealand have frequently challenged South Africa successfully in major tournament matches despite trailing in the overall ODI head-to-head record.
South Africa vs New Zealand T20I Stats
T20I cricket has produced a much closer statistical contest.
Current head-to-head figures list 25 T20Is between South Africa and New Zealand. South Africa have won 15 while New Zealand have won 10.
| T20I Statistic | South Africa | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 25 | 25 |
| Wins | 15 | 10 |
| Losses | 10 | 15 |
| No Results | 0 | 0 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| Home Wins | 5 | 3 |
| Away Wins | 6 | 3 |
| Neutral Wins | 4 | 4 |
The T20I record has changed significantly during the 2026 season because the teams played several matches in the T20 World Cup and then met in a bilateral five-match series.
South Africa vs New Zealand 2026 T20 World Cup Stats
The 2026 T20 World Cup produced two major South Africa vs New Zealand encounters.
In the group stage on 14 February 2026, South Africa defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in Ahmedabad. New Zealand scored 175/7, while South Africa reached 178/3 in 17.1 overs. Marco Jansen was named Player of the Match after taking 4/40.
The teams met again in the semi-final on 4 March 2026. This time New Zealand won by nine wickets after chasing South Africa’s 169/8 with 173/1.
| 2026 T20 World Cup Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| Semi-Final | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
The contrasting results made the 2026 tournament an important chapter in the rivalry.
South Africa vs New Zealand 2026 T20I Series
After the T20 World Cup, South Africa toured New Zealand for a five-match T20I series in March 2026.
South Africa won the first match by seven wickets after dismissing New Zealand for 91. New Zealand responded by winning the second match by 68 runs and the third by eight wickets. South Africa then won the fourth by 19 runs and the fifth by 33 runs.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | New Zealand won by 68 runs |
| 3rd T20I | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 4th T20I | South Africa won by 19 runs |
| 5th T20I | South Africa won by 33 runs |
| Series | South Africa won 3–2 |
The series demonstrated how evenly matched the teams can be in the shortest format.
Famous South Africa vs New Zealand Matches
The rivalry has produced several memorable matches.
One of the most significant recent games was the 2024 Test in Mount Maunganui, where New Zealand defeated South Africa by 281 runs.
The 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final was another major New Zealand victory. Their 362/6 proved too much for South Africa despite a strong chase.
The 2026 T20 World Cup group match went the other way, with South Africa successfully chasing 176 in just 17.1 overs.
These matches show why South Africa vs New Zealand stats need to be viewed across individual competitions rather than only through the overall record.
Biggest Test Wins in the Rivalry
Both teams have produced dominant Test victories.
New Zealand’s innings-and-276-run victory in Christchurch in February 2022 is among the most remarkable results between the sides. New Zealand scored 482 before dismissing South Africa for 95 and 111.
South Africa have also recorded huge victories, including an innings-and-358-run win over New Zealand in Johannesburg in 2007.
| Team | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 2022 Test | Won by an innings and 276 runs |
| South Africa | 2007 Test | Won by 358 runs |
| New Zealand | 2024 Test | Won by 281 runs |
| South Africa | 2013 Test | Won by an innings and 193 runs |
Biggest ODI Results
The ODI rivalry has also produced some extraordinary margins.
South Africa defeated New Zealand by 190 runs in the 2023 World Cup after scoring 357/4 and bowling New Zealand out for 167.
New Zealand’s 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final victory by 50 runs was one of their most important recent ODI results against South Africa.
| Year | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | South Africa | 190 runs |
| 2025 | New Zealand | 50 runs |
| 2025 | New Zealand | 6 wickets |
| 2019 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
Home and Away Performance
Venue has played an important role in the South Africa vs New Zealand rivalry.
In Test cricket, South Africa have won 17 matches at home and nine away, while New Zealand have won four at home and three away.
In ODI cricket, South Africa have 17 home wins and 12 away wins. New Zealand have 12 home victories and five away wins, according to current head-to-head figures.
| Format | South Africa Home Wins | South Africa Away Wins | New Zealand Home Wins | New Zealand Away Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 17 | 9 | 4 | 3 |
| ODIs | 17 | 12 | 12 | 5 |
| T20Is | 5 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
The figures indicate that South Africa have generally been more successful against New Zealand across both home and away conditions.
Key Players in South Africa vs New Zealand Stats
The rivalry has featured several outstanding players.
South Africa have been represented by legends such as Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. In the modern era, players such as Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada remain important to the team.
New Zealand have produced players including Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult and Tim Southee. The modern New Zealand side continues to rely on players such as Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and their strong bowling attack.
In the 2026 T20 World Cup group match, Marco Jansen was particularly influential, taking four wickets for 40 runs in South Africa’s seven-wicket victory.
South Africa vs New Zealand Stats Comparison
The following table summarizes the major head-to-head figures across international formats.
| Category | South Africa | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 49 | 49 |
| Test Wins | 26 | 7 |
| Test Draws | 16 | 16 |
| ODI Matches | 74 | 74 |
| ODI Wins | 42 | 27 |
| ODI No Results | 5 | 5 |
| T20I Matches | 25 | 25 |
| T20I Wins | 15 | 10 |
| Strongest Historical Format | Tests/ODIs | T20I/ICC Knockouts |
The overall statistics clearly favour South Africa, particularly in Test and ODI cricket. However, New Zealand’s recent ICC tournament results show that head-to-head statistics do not always predict knockout-match outcomes.
Why South Africa vs New Zealand Stats Matter
South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team stats are valuable for understanding the history and development of this international rivalry.
South Africa have won 26 of 49 Tests and 42 of 74 ODIs, giving them a substantial advantage in the traditional formats. New Zealand have won seven Tests and 27 ODIs.
T20I cricket is more balanced, with South Africa currently leading 15–10.
The recent results are particularly interesting. New Zealand won the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final and 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final, while South Africa won the 2026 T20 World Cup group match and the subsequent five-match T20I series 3–2.
This combination of historical dominance and recent competitive results makes South Africa vs New Zealand one of the more interesting international cricket rivalries.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa vs New Zealand Stats
How many Test matches have South Africa and New Zealand played?
South Africa and New Zealand have played 49 Test matches. South Africa have won 26, New Zealand have won seven and 16 matches have ended in draws.
Who has won more ODIs between South Africa and New Zealand?
South Africa have the better ODI record. They have won 42 of the 74 ODIs between the teams, while New Zealand have won 27. Five matches have ended without a result.
Who has won more T20Is between South Africa and New Zealand?
South Africa currently lead the T20I head-to-head record 15–10. The teams have played 25 T20Is according to current records.
Who won the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand?
New Zealand won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final by 50 runs. New Zealand scored 362/6, while South Africa finished on 312/9.
Who won the South Africa vs New Zealand T20I series in 2026?
South Africa won the five-match T20I series in New Zealand 3–2. They won the first, fourth and fifth matches, while New Zealand won the second and third.
Conclusion
South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team stats show that South Africa have historically held the stronger overall record. The Proteas lead the Test rivalry 26–7 and the ODI rivalry 42–27, while also holding a 15–10 advantage in T20Is.
However, New Zealand have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to perform in major international tournaments. Their victories over South Africa in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final and 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final are strong examples.
The 2026 season further highlighted the competitive nature of the rivalry. South Africa defeated New Zealand in the T20 World Cup group stage before New Zealand won the semi-final. South Africa then responded by winning the five-match T20I series 3–2.
With strong records, memorable matches and several world-class players on both sides, the South Africa vs New Zealand rivalry continues to be an important part of international cricket.
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