CWC 2023: New Zealand vs South Africa match preview

After a strong start to the World Cup, New Zealand have faltered a bit, losing their last two games. They will be up against another strong opponent in South Africa in Pune. One more loss and panic might start setting in, with Afghanistan and Pakistan making late charges towards the top four. Kane Williamson is still unavailable due to injury, while Tim Southee might still not make it to the XI despite also being fit. Jimmy Neesham, meanwhile, will likely keep his place after his solid performance in the last match.

South Africa are coming off a tense one-wicket victory against Pakistan in Chennai. With five wins from six games, they are sitting pretty on the second spot. They have a well settled team with hardly any underperforming players. Tabraiz Shamsi might have to sit out on the batting paradise of Pune and make way for Kagiso Rabada if he has fully recovered from his back spasms. If not, Lizaad Williams might get his second game in this World Cup in his place.

NZ vs SA fantasy tips 

# Rachin Ravindra has scored 407 runs at an average of 81.2 in this World Cup, with two incredible hundreds against England and Australia. The true pitch of Pune will also aid his batting. He should be one of the top captaincy picks in your side.

# Gerald Coetzee has gone at 6.95 runs per over in this World Cup, but more importantly, he has taken a wicket every 19 balls, with 12 wickets from five games. He should be in your team for this match.

# Marco Jansen has lit up this World Cup with both bat and ball. With the bat, he averages 47.7 and has struck at 128.8, while with the ball, he has taken 13 wickets from six games. Pune will offer him some assistance with the new ball as well. He should be in your side.

# Glenn Phillips has contributed with both bat and ball in this World Cup. From six games, he has taken six wickets at an average of 17.2 and has scored 126 runs at a strike rate of 92. He should make it to your side.

New Zealand vs South Africa: Predicted XI

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Matt Henry.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

NZ vs SA: Dream11 team

Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Devon Conway, Heinrich Klaasen

Batters: David Miller

All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Marco Jansen

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee

Captaincy options: Rachin Ravindra, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock

Potential swaps: Jimmy Neesham in place of Trent Boult, Rassie van der Dussen in place of David Miller