The rivalry between the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline has grown steadily over the past few decades, evolving from sporadic encounters into a fiercely competitive and emotionally charged contest. Though not as historically intense as some other cricketing rivalries, the contests between the Proteas and the Black Caps have produced some of the most thrilling and heart-wrenching moments in modern cricket. From nail-biting World Cup semifinals to dramatic Test comebacks and last-ball finishes in T20Is, the two teams have consistently delivered high-octane performances that have captivated fans worldwide.
Cricket enthusiasts often search for the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline to trace the evolution of this rivalry, understand head-to-head statistics, relive iconic matches, and stay updated on recent developments. This article offers a comprehensive look at every major encounter between these two proud cricketing nations. We’ll explore the complete timeline of matches, analyze head-to-head records across all formats, highlight key players, revisit unforgettable moments, and provide the latest updates through 2025, including upcoming fixtures and emerging trends in their rivalry.
Below is a detailed timeline of all major encounters between South Africa and New Zealand from their first meeting to the 2025 season.
| 1953–54 | New Zealand tour of South Africa | Test | 0–0 (3-match series drawn) | Bert Sutcliffe (NZ) top-scorer; South Africa dominated but couldn’t force results. |
| 1961–62 | South Africa tour of New Zealand | Test | 2–0 (3-match series, SA win) | Graeme Pollock (SA) scored 274; SA won 1st and 3rd Tests. |
| 1994–95 | New Zealand tour of South Africa | Test | 1–0 (2-match series, SA win) | Hansie Cronje (SA) scored 118; SA won 1st Test at Port Elizabeth. |
| 1995 | Mandela Trophy (ODI Tri-Series) | ODI | SA won tournament | Lance Klusener (SA) starred; SA beat NZ in group stage. |
| 1996 | Cricket World Cup | ODI | SA advanced; NZ eliminated | SA won group stage match by 10 wickets. |
| 1999 | Cricket World Cup | ODI | SA won by 4 wickets | Jonty Rhodes (SA) scored 63; SA progressed, NZ eliminated. |
| 2000–01 | New Zealand tour of South Africa | Test | 1–0 (2-match series, SA win) | Shaun Pollock (SA) took 5/49; SA won 1st Test at Durban. |
| 2005–06 | South Africa tour of New Zealand | Test | 1–0 (2-match series, SA win) | Jacques Kallis (SA) scored 111*; SA won 1st Test at Hamilton. |
| 2006 | ICC Champions Trophy | ODI | SA won by 5 wickets | Herschelle Gibbs (SA) scored 73; SA advanced. |
| 2007–08 | South Africa tour of New Zealand | Test | 2–0 (2-match series, SA win) | AB de Villiers (SA) scored 135; SA swept series. |
| 2008 | ICC Champions Trophy | ODI | NZ won by 32 runs | Daniel Vettori (NZ) took 3/29; NZ reached semis. |
| 2012 | South Africa tour of New Zealand | Test | 1–0 (2-match series, SA win) | Dale Steyn (SA) took 6/8; SA won 1st Test at Dunedin. |
| 2012 | ODI Series | ODI | 3–2 (5-match series, SA win) | Hashim Amla (SA) scored 112; SA won series. |
| 2013 | ICC Champions Trophy | ODI | SA won by 2 wickets (D/L) | Faf du Plessis (SA) scored 78*; SA reached semis. |
| 2015 | Cricket World Cup Semifinal | ODI | NZ won by 2 wickets | Grant Elliott (NZ) hit winning runs off Dale Steyn; iconic moment. |
| 2016 | T20I Series | T20I | 2–1 (3-match series, SA win) | David Miller (SA) scored 75*; SA won final T20I. |
| 2016–17 | South Africa tour of New Zealand | Test | 2–0 (2-match series, NZ win) | Kane Williamson (NZ) scored 142; NZ won 1st Test at Dunedin. |
| 2017 | ODI Series | ODI | 3–2 (5-match series, SA win) | Quinton de Kock (SA) scored 126; SA won series. |
| 2018 | T20I Series | T20I | 2–1 (3-match series, SA win) | Imran Tahir (SA) took 4/26; SA won final match. |
| 2019 | Cricket World Cup Group Stage | ODI | SA won by 7 wickets | Faf du Plessis (SA) scored 90*; SA chased 242. |
| 2021 | ICC World Test Championship Final | Test | NZ won by 8 wickets | Kyle Jamieson (NZ) took 5/31; NZ crowned inaugural champions. |
| 2022 | T20 World Cup Group Stage | T20I | NZ won by 5 wickets | Devon Conway (NZ) scored 49; NZ chased 123. |
| 2022 | ODI Series | ODI | 3–0 (3-match series, SA win) | Rassie van der Dussen (SA) scored 123; SA whitewashed NZ. |
| 2023 | ODI Series | ODI | 3–2 (5-match series, SA win) | Heinrich Klaasen (SA) scored 174; SA won series. |
| 2023 | T20I Series | T20I | 2–1 (3-match series, NZ win) | Glenn Phillips (NZ) scored 82*; NZ won final match. |
| 2024 | T20I Series | T20I | 2–1 (3-match series, NZ win) | Mitchell Santner (NZ) took 4/18; NZ won series. |
| 2024 | ODI Series | ODI | 3–0 (3-match series, SA win) | Marco Jansen (SA) took 4/32; SA dominated. |
| 2025 | T20I Series (Upcoming) | T20I | TBA | Scheduled for March 2025 in New Zealand; key World Cup prep. |
| 2025 | ODI Series (Upcoming) | ODI | TBA | 3-match series; part of ICC Super League qualifiers. |
Table of Contents
South Africa vs New Zealand Rivalry Overview
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline reflects a rivalry built on mutual respect, high-stakes encounters, and contrasting cricketing philosophies. While South Africa has often been seen as a powerhouse with explosive batting and pace-heavy bowling, New Zealand has earned a reputation for resilience, disciplined fielding, and calm under pressure—qualities that have led to their nickname, the “Kiwis.”
Their rivalry began in the 1950s, but due to South Africa’s international isolation during the apartheid era, meaningful competition was halted until the 1990s. Since their re-admission to international cricket in 1991, South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other regularly in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
What makes this rivalry compelling is the parity in skill and the frequency of close matches. Unlike some dominant head-to-head records, South Africa and New Zealand have split victories across formats, with each team enjoying periods of dominance. The 2015 and 2021 ICC knockout clashes—both won by New Zealand—added emotional weight to the contest, especially for South African fans still haunted by near-misses.
Moreover, both teams have often been labeled “perennial semifinalists” in ICC tournaments, amplifying the significance of their direct clashes. The South Africa vs New Zealand cricket history is not just about numbers; it’s about heartbreak, redemption, and the pursuit of global glory.
Complete Timeline of Matches
The timeline table above chronicles every major encounter between the two sides from 1953 to 2025. It includes Test series, ODI bilateral contests, T20I series, and crucial ICC tournament matches. The data reflects shifts in dominance, breakthrough performances, and pivotal moments that shaped the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline.
Notable trends from the timeline:
- Test Era Dominance (1950s–1960s): South Africa enjoyed early success, winning series in 1962 and 2006.
- Post-Apartheid Resurgence (1990s–2000s): With regular fixtures resuming, South Africa maintained an edge in Tests and ODIs.
- Kane Williamson Era (2016–2023): New Zealand gained momentum under Williamson’s leadership, winning key ICC matches.
- T20I Battles (2016–2024): The shortest format has seen fluctuating dominance, with both teams winning two of the last four series.
- Recent 2024 Dominance: South Africa swept the ODI series 3–0, while New Zealand edged the T20I series 2–1.
The upcoming 2025 tours are expected to be crucial for both teams’ preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup, adding further significance to the rivalry.
Head-to-Head Records
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline is best understood through head-to-head statistics. These records reveal the balance of power across formats and highlight the competitiveness of their encounters.
Test Matches Head-to-Head
| Matches Played | 34 | 34 |
| Matches Won | 15 | 8 |
| Matches Lost | 8 | 15 |
| Draws | 11 | 11 |
| Win Percentage | 44.1% | 23.5% |
| Highest Team Total | 651/8d (2006, Cape Town) | 553 (2017, Christchurch) |
| Lowest Team Total | 45 (2013, Wellington) | 66 (2013, Hamilton) |
Key Insights:
- South Africa holds a clear advantage in Test cricket, winning nearly twice as many matches.
- Their 2006 victory in Cape Town, where they scored 651/8 declared, remains a landmark performance.
- However, New Zealand’s 2013 win in Wellington (by 1 run) is one of the narrowest Test victories in history and a turning point in their rivalry.
- Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, and AB de Villiers have been instrumental for South Africa.
- For New Zealand, Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor, and Kane Williamson have delivered consistent performances.
ODI Matches Head-to-Head
| Matches Played | 64 | 64 |
| Matches Won | 36 | 27 |
| No Result/Tie | 1 | 1 |
| Win Percentage | 56.3% | 42.2% |
| Highest Team Total | 408/5 (2012, Mount Maunganui) | 353/6 (2023, Johannesburg) |
| Lowest Team Total | 88 (2013, Hamilton) | 90 (2006, Auckland) |
| Most Runs (Player) | Jacques Kallis (1,274) | Ross Taylor (1,172) |
| Most Wickets (Player) | Shaun Pollock (57) | Daniel Vettori (48) |
Key Insights:
- South Africa leads the ODI head-to-head, having won 36 matches compared to New Zealand’s 27.
- The 2012 ODI in Mount Maunganui, where South Africa scored 408/5—their second-highest ODI total—remains a record-setting game.
- New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup semifinal win is their most significant ODI victory in this rivalry.
- Recent years have seen South Africa dominate, winning 3–0 in 2022 and 3–0 in 2024.
- Heinrich Klaasen’s 174 in 2023 is the highest individual score by a South African against NZ in ODIs.
T20I Matches Head-to-Head
| Matches Played | 26 | 26 |
| Matches Won | 13 | 13 |
| Win Percentage | 50% | 50% |
| Highest Team Total | 220/7 (2023, Johannesburg) | 219/7 (2023, Centurion) |
| Lowest Team Total | 72 (2013, Auckland) | 81 (2017, Centurion) |
| Most Runs (Player) | David Miller (442) | Colin Munro (389) |
| Most Wickets (Player) | Imran Tahir (22) | Tim Southee (19) |
Key Insights:
- The T20I rivalry is perfectly balanced, with both teams winning 13 matches each.
- High-scoring games have become common, especially since 2020, with both teams posting totals over 200.
- David Miller has been a thorn for New Zealand, scoring 442 runs at a strike rate of 148.
- New Zealand’s 2023 and 2024 T20I series wins indicate a growing edge in the shortest format.
- Spinners like Tabraiz Shamsi and Mitchell Santner have played crucial roles in tight finishes.
ICC Tournament Clashes
| 1996 | World Cup | Group | SA won by 10 wickets | Gary Kirsten (SA) scored 109*. |
| 1999 | World Cup | Group | SA won by 4 wickets | Jonty Rhodes top-scored with 63. |
| 2006 | Champions Trophy | Group | SA won by 5 wickets | Herschelle Gibbs (73) guided SA. |
| 2008 | Champions Trophy | Group | NZ won by 32 runs | Vettori took 3/29; NZ bowled well. |
| 2013 | Champions Trophy | Group | SA won by 2 wickets (D/L) | Faf du Plessis’ 78* under pressure. |
| 2015 | World Cup | Semifinal | NZ won by 2 wickets | Grant Elliott’s 84* and last-ball six. |
| 2019 | World Cup | Group | SA won by 7 wickets | Faf du Plessis’ 90* in chase. |
| 2021 | World Test Championship | Final | NZ won by 8 wickets | Jamieson and Southee starred. |
| 2022 | T20 World Cup | Group | NZ won by 5 wickets | Conway and Young chased 123. |
Summary:
- New Zealand leads ICC knockout encounters 2–0 (2015 WC SF, 2021 WTC Final).
- South Africa has won all group-stage ICC matches since 2013.
- The 2015 World Cup semifinal remains the most iconic ICC clash—haunting for SA, heroic for NZ.
Key Matches and Iconic Moments
Several matches have defined the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline. These games are remembered not just for their results, but for the drama, emotion, and legacy they left behind.
1. 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Semifinal – Auckland
- Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets
- Key Moment: Grant Elliott hit Dale Steyn for a six off the penultimate ball.
- Why It’s Iconic: South Africa, chasing 298, were 174/6 when Elliott joined Corey Anderson. Their 103-run partnership turned the game. With 4 needed off 2 balls, Elliott sealed it with a six. The image of him embracing Brendon McCullum became symbolic of New Zealand’s rise.
2. 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final – Southampton
- Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets
- Key Moment: Kyle Jamieson’s 5/31 in the first innings dismantled SA.
- Why It’s Iconic: Despite being underdogs, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and Kane Williamson’s 52* in the chase secured their first global Test title. South Africa’s batting collapse (52 all out in 2nd innings) was a shock.
3. 2013 Test, Wellington – New Zealand won by 1 run
- Result: NZ won by 1 run
- Key Moment: Vernon Philander was caught off the final ball of the match.
- Why It’s Iconic: One of the narrowest Test wins ever. New Zealand, set 458 to win, were bowled out for 457. The tension was unbearable, with the final wicket falling on the last delivery.
4. 2012 ODI, Mount Maunganui – South Africa scored 408/5
- Result: SA won by 139 runs
- Key Moment: Hashim Amla (150*) and AB de Villiers (139*) shared a 256-run stand.
- Why It’s Iconic: This was only the second 400+ total in ODI history at the time. The batting masterclass showcased SA’s dominance.
5. 2023 ODI, Johannesburg – Heinrich Klaasen’s 174
- Result: SA won by 6 wickets
- Key Moment: Klaasen smashed 174 off 92 balls, including 17 fours and 10 sixes.
- Why It’s Iconic: The fastest 150 by a South African and a statement of intent in white-ball cricket.
Recent Matches & 2025 Updates
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline has seen intense action in 2023 and 2024, with both teams preparing for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
2023 Series Recap:
- ODI Series (5 matches): South Africa won 3–2. Klaasen’s 174 in the 3rd ODI was a highlight.
- T20I Series (3 matches): New Zealand won 2–1. Glenn Phillips’ 82* in the decider sealed the series.
2024 Series Recap:
- ODI Series (3 matches): South Africa won 3–0. Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada dismantled NZ’s batting.
- T20I Series (3 matches): New Zealand won 2–1. Mitchell Santner’s 4/18 in the 2nd T20I was pivotal.
Upcoming 2025 Fixtures:
- March 2025: New Zealand hosts a 3-match T20I series.
- April 2025: South Africa hosts a 3-match ODI series as part of the ICC Super League.
- Both series are expected to feature younger players, with both teams rebuilding for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
These upcoming fixtures will be crucial for assessing team depth and form, especially with key players like Temba Bavuma (SA) and Tom Latham (NZ) nearing retirement.
Top Players and Memorable Performances
The South Africa vs New Zealand cricket history is enriched by legendary performances from standout players.
South African Greats:
- Jacques Kallis: 1,274 ODI runs, 21 Test wickets vs NZ. A complete all-rounder.
- AB de Villiers: 876 ODI runs, including 3 centuries. His 139* in 2012 was iconic.
- Dale Steyn: 38 Test wickets vs NZ, including 6/8 in 2012. A nightmare for NZ batters.
- Hashim Amla: 1,022 ODI runs vs NZ, with a highest score of 150*.
- David Miller: 442 T20I runs vs NZ, strike rate 148. Known for finishing games.
New Zealand Legends:
- Ross Taylor: 1,172 ODI runs vs SA, including 3 centuries. A consistent performer.
- Kane Williamson: 1,089 ODI runs, 476 Test runs vs SA. Captaincy and calm under pressure.
- Daniel Vettori: 48 ODI wickets vs SA. His left-arm spin troubled SA batters for years.
- Brendon McCullum: 552 ODI runs, aggressive captain who changed NZ’s mindset.
- Tim Southee: 24 ODI wickets vs SA, including 5/33 in the 2015 WC SF.
Emerging Stars (2023–2025):
- South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper-batter), Marco Jansen (all-rounder), Dewald Brevis (young gun).
- New Zealand: Devon Conway (opener), Glenn Phillips (middle-order), Jacob Duffy (fast bowler).
Statistical Highlights
Here are some standout stats from the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline:
- Most Runs in Tests: Jacques Kallis (SA) – 1,012
- Most Wickets in Tests: Dale Steyn (SA) – 38
- Highest Individual ODI Score: Heinrich Klaasen (SA) – 174 (2023)
- Best ODI Bowling: Shaun Pollock (SA) – 5/34
- Most T20I Sixes: David Miller (SA) – 36 vs NZ
- Most Catches in Matches: AB de Villiers (SA) – 22
- Longest Winning Streak (ODI): South Africa – 5 matches (2022–2024)
- Lowest Total Defended Successfully: 123 (NZ vs SA, 2022 T20 WC)
Fun Fact: South Africa and New Zealand have never tied a match in any format—only one ODI no-result (2006).
FAQs
Q1: When did South Africa and New Zealand first play each other?
A: Their first Test match was in December 1953 in Durban, South Africa. The series ended 0–0.
Q2: Who has won more matches in the South Africa vs New Zealand head-to-head?
A: South Africa leads in Tests (15–8) and ODIs (36–27), while T20Is are tied 13–13.
Q3: What is the most famous match between South Africa and New Zealand?
A: The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal, where Grant Elliott hit a six off Dale Steyn to win the match.
Q4: Are there any upcoming South Africa vs New Zealand matches in 2025?
A: Yes. A T20I series is scheduled in New Zealand in March 2025, followed by an ODI series in South Africa in April.
Q5: What is the head-to-head record in ICC tournaments?
A: In ICC events, South Africa has won 5 group-stage matches, while New Zealand has won 2 knockout games (2015 WC SF, 2021 WTC Final).
Conclusion – Future of This Rivalry
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline stands as a testament to the evolving nature of international cricket. From early Test encounters in the 1950s to high-stakes ICC finals in the 2020s, this rivalry has produced unforgettable drama, world-class performances, and moments that have shaped cricketing legacies.
While South Africa holds an edge in bilateral series, especially in Tests and ODIs, New Zealand’s success in ICC knockout matches—particularly the 2015 World Cup semifinal and the 2021 WTC Final—has given them psychological momentum. The balance in T20Is suggests a format where either team can triumph on their day.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, both teams are in transitional phases. South Africa is integrating young talent like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs, while New Zealand is preparing for life after Williamson and Southee. The upcoming 2025 series will be critical for both squads as they aim to qualify for and perform in the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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