NZ vs SA: New Zealand playing XI vs South Africa, Match 32, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

New Zealand will face South Africa in match No.32 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Pune.

New Zealand started the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with four consecutive wins, which made them one of the contenders for a spot in the semi-finals. But they then suffered two consecutive defeats now against India and Australia, respectively, which made their path a bit tricky. New Zealand needs to win at least two of their remaining three games.

And they will face the mighty South African team in their next game. This game will be played on Wednesday at the MCA Stadium in Pune. South Africa are the toughest opponent with the way they are playing the game at the moment. Hence, New Zealand need to make sure that they have their best team for the game. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for New Zealand against South Africa.

NZ vs SA: New Zealand's Predicted playing XI vs South Africa

1. Will Young :

Will Young is in the team in the absence of Kane Williamson, and he will be opening the game against South Africa as well. The right-hander has been in good shape and has made the most of the opportunity. He has scored 173 runs at an average of 34.60 and given some good starts. His role will be very important against South African pacers, and he can give his team another wicketl-ess start early on.

2. Devon Conway (wk) :

Devon Conway will be the key for New Zealand against South Africa. The left-hander has been a consistent player at the top and makes runs regularly. A lot will depend on how he negotiates with the pacers and takes the innings together. He will have in mind that this is a must-win game, and his team needs him. Conway has scored 277 runs so far at an average and strike rate of 55.40 and 104.92.

3. Rachin Ravindra :

Rachin Ravindra has been superb in this tournament and has scored the second-most World Cup runs at the age of 23 in history already. He almost took his team to a record chase against Australia in Dharamsala. But the left-hander can be a possible threat for South Africa because he knows how to play long innings. Rachin has scored 406 runs at an average and strike rate of 81.20 and 107.69, respectively.

4. Daryl Mitchell :

Daryl Mitchell is not far behind in terms of the highest scorers in this tournament. He is very important for Kiwi middle-order because he sticks to the wickets and takes the game deep. Mitchell has scored 322 runs at an average of 80.50, and he is a pretty good player against pacers, which will make him crucial against South Africa.

5. Tom Latham (c & wk) :

Tom Latham is the stand-in captain of New Zealand and has done a great job both as a leader and a player in the absence of Williamson. The left-hander's experience helps New Zealand top-order bat freely because they know that Latham can hold one end in case of quick wickets. He has scored 147 runs so far with two half-centuries already and will look to lead his team to victory in his important game.

6. Glenn Phillips :

Glenn Phillips was the one who brought New Zealand back into the game against Australia with his three wickets with the ball. He went for just 37 runs in the game, where more than 750 runs were scored. Phillips is a game-changer and a pretty smart cricketer who knows how to change the situation in both departments. He has scored 126 runs and taken six wickets so far.

7. James Neesham :

James Neesham took New Zealand close to the record chase with his 58 off 39, but got out at the wrong time. The all-rounder is pretty effective in both departments, and his medium pace can trouble the batters in Pune that helps the slower bowlers. Neesham is a hard-hitting batter and can contribute in both departments of the game.

8. Mitchell Santner :

South Africa have done an excellent job during the middle overs and maintained a good scoring rate, which is why they have been successful so far. But Mitchell Santner has taken the most wickets during this period, and he can certainly stop Proteas. Santner has taken 14 wickets so far at an economy rate of 4.90 and will be difficult to face and score runs off.

9. Matt Henry :

Matt Henry is not too far behind. The pacer had an off day in the last game, but his overall performances have been excellent. He has picked up wickets with the new balls and has 11 wickets so far. Henry's role will be to provide a good start with the ball, and if he can remove some early wickets, South African middle-order will be under pressure.

10. Lockie Ferguson :

Lockie Ferguson can run through any batting-order with his pace. The speedster has been among the wickets and has taken eight wickets so far. On a slow pitch like in Pune, he can create some good balls that can be hard to pick. If he can hit the right areas, South Africa can be in trouble.

11. Trent Boult :

Trent Boult didn't have a great start to the tournament, but he has picked up the pace. He has taken nine wickets at an economy rate of 5.18 and took three wickets in his last over. Boult is one of the best bowlers going around, and if he can get some early swing, New Zealand will be on top from the start.