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New Zealand vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Match prediction
South Africa walk into the game as slight favourites due to slightly more experienced batters
The upcoming game between South Africa and New Zealand will be the first game at the venue, and hence, it is tough to predict who will have the upper hand as far as the conditions are concerned. However, based on form, New Zealand seem the more stable side - winning three games with their last match against India getting washed out. South Africa, on the other hand, have won only one game against Afghanistan and are placed eighth among ten teams in the points table.
However, New Zealand have won their three games against relatively weaker sides and this will be their first stiff challenge. They have bowlers like Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson in their ranks - all bowlers who can spell trouble for their rivals if the conditions are overcast. South Africa though are no pushovers with the ball as well.
Kagiso Rabada has been a consistent performer, while Imran Tahir is no fluke with the ball either. Lungi Ngidi is expected to return for this game after an injury, and the trio can spell doom together.
With both teams having a good bowling unit, it will boil down to the batters. New Zealand have been led by Williamson and Taylor, but their middle order looks inexperienced and inconsistent. South Africa too have failed in this department, but they have players like Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller and Markram, who are more experienced. Hence, South Africa are the slight favourites.
