Cricket is not just a game in South Africa and New Zealand; it’s a way of life. Both countries have a rich cricketing history and have produced some legendary players over the years. In this article, we will delve into the stats of the South African and New Zealand cricket teams and compare their performances across various formats of the game. From Test matches to T20 internationals, we will analyze how these two teams stack up against each other.
Test Matches
In the Test format, South Africa and New Zealand have played a total of 43 matches against each other. Out of these, South Africa has emerged victorious 28 times, while New Zealand has won 13 matches. 2 matches have ended in a draw.
Batting Stats
- Highest team total: South Africa scored 621/5 in a match against New Zealand.
- Highest individual score: Graeme Smith holds the record for the highest individual score with 277 runs.
- Centuries: South Africa has scored 27 centuries against New Zealand, while New Zealand has scored 18 centuries.
Bowling Stats
- Best bowling figures in an innings: Morne Morkel took 6/23 against New Zealand.
- Most wickets: Dale Steyn has taken 69 wickets against New Zealand.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
In ODIs, South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other 71 times. South Africa has won 42 matches, while New Zealand has emerged victorious 24 times. 2 matches ended in a tie, and 3 matches had no result.
Batting Stats
- Highest team total: South Africa scored 340/2 against New Zealand.
- Most runs: Jacques Kallis has scored 1384 runs against New Zealand.
- Centuries: South Africa has scored 9 centuries against New Zealand.
Bowling Stats
- Best bowling figures in an innings: Allan Donald took 6/23 against New Zealand.
- Most wickets: Jacques Kallis has taken 36 wickets against New Zealand.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
In T20Is, South Africa and New Zealand have played 19 matches against each other. South Africa has won 12 matches, while New Zealand has won 7 matches.
Batting Stats
- Highest team total: South Africa scored 193/4 against New Zealand.
- Most runs: Martin Guptill has scored 318 runs against South Africa.
- Highest individual score: Colin Munro scored 66 runs in an innings against South Africa.
Bowling Stats
- Best bowling figures in an innings: Morne Morkel took 4/17 against New Zealand.
- Most wickets: Lonwabo Tsotsobe has taken 12 wickets against New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which team has a better head-to-head record in Test matches, South Africa or New Zealand?
In Test matches, South Africa has a better head-to-head record against New Zealand, winning 28 out of the 43 matches played between the two teams.
2. Who holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs between South Africa and New Zealand?
Graeme Smith holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs between South Africa and New Zealand, scoring 277 runs.
3. Which player has taken the most wickets in T20Is between South Africa and New Zealand?
Lonwabo Tsotsobe has taken the most wickets in T20Is between South Africa and New Zealand, with 12 wickets to his name.
4. How many centuries has South Africa scored in ODIs against New Zealand?
South Africa has scored a total of 9 centuries in ODIs against New Zealand.
5. Who has the best bowling figures in an ODI innings between South Africa and New Zealand?
Allan Donald has the best bowling figures in an ODI innings between South Africa and New Zealand, taking 6/23.
In conclusion, while both South Africa and New Zealand have had their moments of glory on the cricket field, South Africa seems to have a slight edge when it comes to their head-to-head encounters across Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is. With a rich cricketing heritage and passionate fans, these two nations continue to add to the legacy of the sport with their competitive spirit and sportsmanship.