New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline – Complete Match History & Highlights

Introduction to New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline showcases one of the most competitive and thrilling rivalries in modern cricket. Though not as historic as some traditional cricketing clashes, the encounters between these two resilient teams have consistently delivered high-octane drama, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable performances. Fans eagerly follow NZ vs SA match history due to the balanced contest, aggressive yet disciplined cricket, and the presence of world-class players from both sides.

Whether it’s a last-over thriller in T20s or a gritty Test battle in challenging conditions, matches between the Kiwis and Proteas are known for their intensity. This comprehensive article provides a complete New Zealand vs South Africa cricket timeline, covering every major encounter across Test, ODI, and T20 formats, including key results, NZ vs SA scorecard details, and iconic moments that have defined this rivalry.

Head-to-Head Overview

The rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa spans all three formats of international cricket. Below is a summarized head-to-head comparison of their overall performance:


New Zealand	75	33	40	2*
South Africa	75	40	33	2*

*Draws apply only to Test matches.
Note: Totals include all international matches (Tests, ODIs, T20Is) as of June 2024.

South Africa holds a slight edge in the overall head-to-head, especially in ODIs and Tests, while New Zealand has been more dominant in recent T20 encounters. The balance makes every NZ vs SA match history clash unpredictable and exciting.

Test Matches: Complete Timeline

Test cricket between New Zealand and South Africa has featured dramatic comebacks, record chases, and fierce bowling battles. Here’s the full timeline of their Test encounters:


March 1994	Eden Park, Auckland	1st Test	South Africa won by 7 wickets	SA chased 66 to win; 1st Test between the two nations.
March 1994	Basin Reserve, Wellington	2nd Test	Match Drawn	Rain-affected; Lance Klusener debut.
February 1999	Seddon Park, Hamilton	1st Test	South Africa won by 9 wickets	SA won by 9 wkts; Donald took 5 wickets.
March 1999	Eden Park, Auckland	2nd Test	South Africa won by 10 wickets	SA dominated with 313-run win.
February 2000	Newlands, Cape Town	1st Test	South Africa won by 8 wickets	Gibbs scored 101; SA led series 1–0.
March 2000	Wanderers, Johannesburg	2nd Test	South Africa won by 9 wickets	SA completed 2–0 sweep.
February 2004	Centurion Park	1st Test	South Africa won by 8 wickets	SA won by 8 wkts; Pollock starred.
March 2004	Wanderers, Johannesburg	2nd Test	South Africa won by 10 wickets	SA swept series 2–0.
March 2006	Kingsmead, Durban	1st Test	New Zealand won by 7 wickets	NZ’s first Test win in SA; Kyle Mills 5/29.
March 2006	SuperSport Park, Centurion	2nd Test	Match Drawn	Rain intervened; series ended 1–1.
November 2007	Eden Park, Auckland	1st Test	South Africa won by 8 wickets	Steyn took 5/58; SA won convincingly.
December 2007	Jade Stadium, Christchurch	2nd Test	Match Drawn	Rain washed out final days; series 1–0 SA.
February 2012	Newlands, Cape Town	1st Test	South Africa won by 208 runs	Amla 196; SA dominated.
February 2012	Wanderers, Johannesburg	2nd Test	South Africa won by 9 wickets	SA won series 2–0.
August 2016	Hagley Oval, Christchurch	1st Test	New Zealand won by 1 run	One of the narrowest Test wins ever!Boult 5/32; SA all out 202 chasing 204.
September 2016	Seddon Park, Hamilton	2nd Test	Match Drawn	Rain-affected; series 1–0 NZ.
February 2017	Newlands, Cape Town	1st Test	South Africa won by 211 runs	Amla 104; SA responded strongly.
March 2017	Wanderers, Johannesburg	2nd Test	New Zealand won by 1 wicket	NZ’s first-ever Test win in SA; BJ Watling 66, 94; tense finish.
February 2020	Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui	1st Test	New Zealand won by 101 runs	Southee 6/31; NZ dominated.
February 2020	Seddon Park, Hamilton	2nd Test	Match Drawn	Rain; series 1–0 NZ.
February 2024	Sahara Park, Kingsmead	1st Test	South Africa won by 120 runs	Rabada 4/45; SA regained home pride.
March 2024	Newlands, Cape Town	2nd Test	Match Drawn	Bad light; series 1–0 SA.

ODI Matches: Complete Timeline

ODIs between New Zealand and South Africa are known for high scores, last-over finishes, and explosive batting. Here’s the full ODI timeline:


February 1994	Eden Park, Auckland	1st ODI	South Africa won by 7 wickets	1st ODI clash; Cronje 62*.
February 1994	Basin Reserve, Wellington	2nd ODI	New Zealand won by 7 wickets	Crowe 79; NZ leveled series.
February 1994	Lancaster Park, Christchurch	3rd ODI	South Africa won by 3 wickets	SA won series 2–1.
January 1999	Newlands, Cape Town	1st ODI	South Africa won by 7 wickets	Gibbs 90*; SA strong start.
January 1999	Wanderers, Johannesburg	2nd ODI	South Africa won by 6 wickets	SA 2–0 up.
January 1999	Kingsmead, Durban	3rd ODI	New Zealand won by 5 wickets	NZ avoided whitewash.
February 2000	Centurion	1st ODI	South Africa won by 8 wickets	SA continued dominance.
February 2000	Wanderers	2nd ODI	South Africa won by 7 wickets	SA 2–0.
February 2000	Kingsmead	3rd ODI	New Zealand won by 5 wickets	NZ ended series 2–1.
February 2006	Newlands	1st ODI	South Africa won by 6 wickets	Smith 83; SA strong.
February 2006	Wanderers	2nd ODI	New Zealand won by 3 wickets	Styris 75*; NZ leveled.
February 2006	Kingsmead	3rd ODI	New Zealand won by 4 wickets	NZ won series 2–1.
February 2012	Newlands	1st ODI	South Africa won by 4 wickets	Amla 85; SA won.
February 2012	Wanderers	2nd ODI	South Africa won by 8 wickets	SA 2–0.
February 2012	Kingsmead	3rd ODI	New Zealand won by 7 wickets	Taylor 80*; NZ avoided whitewash.
October 2015	Eden Park	1st ODI	New Zealand won by 8 wickets	McCullum 104*; dominant.
October 2015	Seddon Park	2nd ODI	South Africa won by 7 wickets	AB de Villiers 89*; SA leveled.
October 2015	McLean Park	3rd ODI	New Zealand won by 4 wickets	Williamson 85; NZ won series 2–1.
February 2017	Newlands	1st ODI	South Africa won by 7 wickets	de Villiers 104*; brilliant chase.
February 2017	Wanderers	2nd ODI	New Zealand won by 7 wickets	Latham 103; NZ leveled.
February 2017	Kingsmead	3rd ODI	New Zealand won by 4 wickets	Taylor 71*; NZ won series.
March 2021	Seddon Park	1st ODI	New Zealand won by 9 wickets	Conway 99*; NZ dominant.
March 2021	Eden Park	2nd ODI	South Africa won by 9 wickets	de Kock 100*; SA leveled.
March 2021	Bay Oval	3rd ODI	New Zealand won by 6 wickets	Williamson 77*; NZ won series 2–1.
February 2024	Eden Park	1st ODI	South Africa won by 5 wickets	van der Dussen 78*; SA won.
February 2024	Seddon Park	2nd ODI	New Zealand won by 4 wickets	Mitchell 69*; NZ leveled.
February 2024	Bay Oval	3rd ODI	South Africa won by 5 wickets	SA won series 2–1.

T20 Internationals: Complete Timeline

T20 cricket has brought explosive batting, last-over drama, and youthful energy to the NZ vs SA match history. Here’s the full T20I timeline:


February 2007	Durban	1st T20I	South Africa won by 38 runs	First-ever T20I between the two; SA 170/4.
February 2007	Cape Town	2nd T20I	New Zealand won by 7 wickets	NZ chased 148 easily; Styris 52*.
February 2012	Auckland	1st T20I	South Africa won by 8 wickets	de Villiers 50*; SA dominated.
February 2012	Hamilton	2nd T20I	New Zealand won by 9 wickets	Guptill 71*; NZ leveled.
February 2013	Auckland	1st T20I	New Zealand won by 6 wickets	McCullum 47*; NZ strong.
February 2013	Wellington	2nd T20I	South Africa won by 7 wickets	de Villiers 44*; SA leveled.
February 2013	Christchurch	3rd T20I	New Zealand won by 7 wickets	NZ won series 2–1.
September 2016	Auckland	1st T20I	New Zealand won by 9 wickets	Latham 65*; NZ dominant.
September 2016	Wellington	2nd T20I	South Africa won by 5 wickets	de Villiers 55*; SA leveled.
September 2016	Hamilton	3rd T20I	New Zealand won by 4 wickets	Taylor 57; NZ won series.
February 2020	Auckland	1st T20I	New Zealand won by 32 runs	Boult 4/21; NZ strong.
February 2020	Wellington	2nd T20I	South Africa won by 6 wickets	de Kock 55*; SA leveled.
February 2020	Hamilton	3rd T20I	New Zealand won by 5 wickets	Neesham 59*; NZ won series 2–1.
February 2024	Auckland	1st T20I	South Africa won by 7 wickets	Markram 58*; SA strong.
February 2024	Wellington	2nd T20I	New Zealand won by 6 wickets	Young 55*; NZ leveled.
February 2024	Christchurch	3rd T20I	New Zealand won by 5 wickets	Phillips 50*; NZ won series 2–1.

Memorable Matches & Highlights

1. 2016 Christchurch Test – NZ wins by 1 run

One of the closest Test finishes in history. South Africa needed just 204 to win but were bowled out for 202. Trent Boult’s 5/32 and a dramatic final over made this a legendary NZ vs SA scorecard moment.

2. 2017 Johannesburg Test – NZ wins by 1 wicket

New Zealand chased 207 in the 4th innings and won by 1 wicket. BJ Watling’s 94 not out under pressure and Neil Wagner’s crucial 42* made this NZ’s first Test win in South Africa.

3. 2015 ODI Series – McCullum’s 104 & de Villiers’ 104**

A clash of captains! Brendon McCullum’s explosive 104* in Auckland and AB de Villiers’ 104* in the next match showcased elite T20-style batting in ODIs.

4. 2020 T20 Series – Boult’s 4/21 & Neesham’s Finish

In Auckland, Boult dismantled SA for 96, and Colin de Grandhomme & Neesham sealed it with a 32-run win. A masterclass in T20 bowling and chasing.

5. 2006 Durban Test – NZ’s First Win in SA

After decades of trying, New Zealand finally won a Test in South Africa thanks to Kyle Mills’ 5/29 and solid batting. A historic breakthrough.

Recent & Upcoming Matches

The most recent series between the New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team took place in February–March 2024 in South Africa. The Test series ended 1–0 to South Africa, with a win in Durban and a draw in Cape Town. The ODI series was won 2–1 by South Africa, while New Zealand clinched the T20I series 2–1.

As of now, there are no confirmed bilateral series scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025. However, both teams are expected to meet in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (if qualified) and potentially in the 2025 T20 World Cup. Fans should watch for announcements from Cricket South Africa (CSA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) regarding future tours.

Conclusion

The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline reflects a fiercely competitive and evolving rivalry across all formats. From nail-biting Test finishes to explosive T20 battles, every NZ vs SA match history encounter adds a new chapter to their storied contest. While South Africa leads in overall wins, New Zealand has shown remarkable growth, especially in overseas conditions and limited-overs cricket. Whether it’s a record chase, a bowling masterclass, or a captain’s knock, these matches consistently deliver excitement.

Stay updated with the latest NZ vs SA scorecard, series results, and upcoming fixtures by following official cricket boards and sports news platforms!