Cricket is a sport that has a rich history and a passionate following in both South Africa and New Zealand. The rivalry between the two nations on the cricket field has produced some memorable moments and matches over the years. Let’s take a look at the timeline of cricket matches between South Africa and New Zealand:
Early Matches (Before 1990)
- 1953: South Africa and New Zealand first faced each other in a Test match in Durban, South Africa. The match ended in a draw.
- 1961: New Zealand won their first Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
- 1976: South Africa toured New Zealand for a Test series, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
- 1985: The “rebel tour” of South Africa to New Zealand took place, where South Africa played unofficial Test matches due to apartheid-era bans.
Post-Apartheid Era (1990s)
- 1992: South Africa and New Zealand met in the Cricket World Cup semi-final, with Pakistan winning the tournament.
- 1994: South Africa and New Zealand played their first Test series post-apartheid, which South Africa won 1-0.
- 1999: New Zealand defeated South Africa in a thrilling World Cup semi-final via a tied match and eliminated them due to superior net run rate, a result that remains controversial.
2000s
- 2004: South Africa toured New Zealand, winning the Test series 1-0.
- 2005: New Zealand defeated South Africa in a Test series for the first time in South Africa.
- 2009: South Africa whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in a Test series in South Africa.
Recent Years (2010s-2020s)
- 2013: South Africa defeated New Zealand in a Test series in New Zealand.
- 2015: New Zealand reached their first Cricket World Cup final, facing Australia, while South Africa was eliminated in the semi-final by New Zealand.
- 2017: In a historic match at Wellington, New Zealand chased down 81 runs in the last session to secure a series-clinching win against South Africa.
- 2019: New Zealand reached their second consecutive World Cup final, losing to England in a thrilling match that went to a Super Over.
- 2020: South Africa defeated New Zealand in a Test series at home, with Tim Southee taking a 9-wicket haul in an innings.
Future Matches
The rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand in cricket continues to be an intriguing one, with both teams scheduled to face each other in various bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and other international fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When was the first Test match played between South Africa and New Zealand?
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The first Test match between South Africa and New Zealand was played in 1953 in Durban, South Africa.
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How many times have New Zealand and South Africa faced each other in World Cup matches?
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As of 2021, New Zealand and South Africa have faced each other six times in Cricket World Cup matches.
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Who holds the record for the highest individual score in a Test match between South Africa and New Zealand?
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The record for the highest individual score in a Test match between South Africa and New Zealand is held by Martin Crowe from New Zealand with 299 runs.
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Has South Africa ever won a Test series in New Zealand?
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Yes, South Africa has won Test series in New Zealand, with the most recent victory coming in 2013.
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How many times has New Zealand won the ICC Cricket World Cup?
- As of 2021, New Zealand has not won the ICC Cricket World Cup but has reached the final twice in 2015 and 2019.
This timeline showcases the competitive nature of cricket matches between South Africa and New Zealand, highlighting the key moments and statistics from their encounters over the years. Both nations have a deep-rooted cricketing tradition, and their clashes on the field continue to captivate fans around the world.
