New Zealand will host South Africa in a five-match T20I series, with the first NZ vs SA T20I match set to be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on March 15. This series will be the first assignment for both teams after the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, enter the series after a tough loss in T20 World Cup final against India. They were defeated by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Notably, due to the busy World Cup schedule, the team management has announced an extended 18-member squad.
In addition, two different squads will be used during the series to manage player workload. Santner will captain the side in the early matches, and eight players from the World Cup squad remain part of this series.
Meanwhile, South Africa will be led by Keshav Maharaj. Similarly, their team management is also focusing on balancing workload and giving opportunities to new players.
Moreover, several key New Zealand players, including Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson, will play only the first three matches, while others will feature in all five games. Now, let’s take a look at the NZ vs SA Head to Head Records.
NZ vs SA Head to Head Records (Overall)
Criteria
South Africa
New Zealand
Matches Played
143
143
Matches Won
80
67
Matches Lost
42
13
NR/Tied
5/0
5/0
Draw
16
16
NZ vs SA Head to Head Records in T20Is
Criteria
South Africa
New Zealand
Matches Played
20
20
Matches Won
12
8
Matches Lost
8
12
NR/Tied
0/0
0/0
NZ vs SA Highest Team Total In T20Is
The highest team total in NZ vs SA T20Is is 185/6, scored by South Africa in the only T20I at Auckland during the South Africa tour of New Zealand in 2017.
South Africa vs New Zealand Lowest Team Total in T20Is
The lowest team total in South Africa vs New Zealand T20Is was recorded by New Zealand, who were bowled out for 86 runs in the 1st T20I at Durban in 2012. South Africa won that match by 8 wickets.
South Africa vs New Zealand Highest Individual Score in T20Is
The highest individual score in South Africa vs New Zealand T20Is belongs to Richard Levi. The South African opener scored an unbeaten 117 off 51 balls against New Zealand in February 2012.
South Africa vs New Zealand Best Bowling Figures in T20Is
The best bowling figures in South Africa vs New Zealand T20Is were recorded by Imran Tahir, who took 5 wickets for 24 runs.
Most Runs In South Africa vs New Zealand T20Is
Martin Guptill has scored the most runs in NZ vs SA T20Is. The former New Zealand batter accumulated 424 runs in 10 innings, including 1 century and 2 half-centuries.
Most Wickets in South Africa vs New Zealand T20Is
Morne Morkel holds the record for the most wickets in NZ vs SA T20Is. The former South African pacer took 10 wickets in 9 innings at an economy rate of 8.34.
Top Run Scorer of the last South Africa vs New Zealand T20Is
During the most recent Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025, Tim Seifert emerged as the leading run-scorer. The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter scored 196 runs across 5 innings.
Top Wicket Taker of the last South Africa vs New Zealand T20Is
With the ball, Matt Henry stood out as the most successful bowler in the last New Zealand vs South Africa T20Is. The New Zealand pacer claimed 10 wickets in 4 innings, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the series.
South Africa vs New Zealand T20I Form (Last 5 Match Win/Loss Record)
Teams
Form
South Africa
L, W, L, W, W
New Zealand
L, W, W, W, W
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other 20 times in T20Is. Out of these matches, South Africa have won 12, while New Zealand have won 8, giving South Africa the edge in the head-to-head record.
Talking about their recent form, both teams are coming into this series after the recently concluded T20 World Cup. New Zealand will be looking to redeem themselves after losing the final to India, and they will aim to bounce back with a strong performance in this series. South Africa, on the other hand, were knocked out in the semifinals by New Zealand, so they will be eager to bounce back and take revenge in the upcoming contest.
![NZ vs SA Head to Head Records [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1773474476051_South Africa vs New Zealand.jpg)
NZ vs SA Head to Head Records [Source: AFP]
