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The captain of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says it looks like a good wicket, and they would try to put on a huge total on the board and hope that dew doesn't arrive later in the evening. On the preparations for this match, Santner shares it's been good. Says there are no easy games in this tournament and adds that they know how good a side South Africa is. Tells that they have made small improvements from the first game and look forward to taking it further. Wraps up by informing that they are going unchanged.
The captain of South Africa - Aiden Markram says the decision to bowl first is influenced by their previous night game at the venue, where the wicket got better as the match progressed. He hopes they can restrict New Zealand and then take advantage of the conditions while chasing. He mentions there was not a lot of dew in that earlier game, just a bit, and admits it can be somewhat unpredictable. With a cheeky smile, he adds that they certainly won't complain if there is a little more dew around tonight. Markram shares that the clash against Afghanistan was physically and emotionally draining, but the side has regrouped and is ready to put in a strong performance. Informs that they have made one change with Corbin Bosch coming in for George Linde.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch (In for George Linde), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi.
New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy.
NZ vs SA T20 World Cup Live Score: Top spot and super 8 path
Both teams are close to qualifying for the Super 8s, but finishing first in the group could affect future match-ups. South Africa have tested themselves in a tight game against Afghanistan. New Zealand have completed chases with overs to spare. The result today will not eliminate either side, but it will decide who leads Group D. Momentum and position may matter as the tournament moves forward.
South Africa have won seven of 13 completed men’s World Cup meetings against New Zealand, including all four in the T20 format. Yet New Zealand won the ODI knockout clashes in 2011 and 2015. The overall men’s World Cup head-to-head stands 13-11 in New Zealand’s favour. While Saturday’s match is not a knockout, the historical balance lends context. Both sides are aware that group supremacy may influence subsequent match-ups.
NZ vs SA Live Score: Powerplay battle in focus
New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen have started both matches with attacking intent. They scored quickly against UAE and Afghanistan.
South Africa’s new-ball pair Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will look to take early wickets. If New Zealand lose wickets early, their middle order will face pressure. If the openers score freely, New Zealand can build a strong total or chase.
The first six overs with bat and ball could decide control of the innings.
South Africa have won seven of 13 completed men’s World Cup meetings against New Zealand, including all four in the T20 format. Yet New Zealand won the ODI knockout clashes in 2011 and 2015.
NZ vs SA T20 World Cup Live Score: Ahmedabad conditions could shape outcome
South Africa hold a potential edge in familiarity, having played both matches at this venue — one day game and one day-night fixture.
The Ahmedabad pitch has offered bounce and carry, aiding stroke-play while rewarding seamers who hit the deck hard. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi have adapted quickly, and the batting unit has experienced the surface in varied scenarios.
Dew could become a factor under lights, influencing toss decisions.
New Zealand, while clinical so far, are yet to defend a total under sustained scoreboard pressure in this tournament. In tight group-stage races, marginal gains such as venue familiarity and understanding of second-innings conditions can influence outcomes, particularly when both teams are evenly matched on form.
New Zealand vs South Africa Live Score: Contrasting routes to two wins each
Both sides arrive unbeaten, but through different journeys. New Zealand have chased confidently, overhauling 174 against UAE in 15.2 overs without losing a wicket and later pursuing 182/6 set by Afghanistan with 13 balls to spare. Tim Seifert’s 65 led the charge, supported by Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell.
South Africa’s path has included both dominance and pressure. They amassed 213/4 against Canada, with Aiden Markram striking 59 off 32 and David Miller and Tristan Stubbs finishing strongly, before Lungi Ngidi’s 4/31 secured victory. Against Afghanistan, they tied at 187/6 and won via a double Super Over.
The differing patterns — New Zealand’s controlled chases and South Africa’s high-scoring resilience — frame this contest as a test of approach under mounting stakes.
NZ vs SA Live Score: Hello & welcome
Welcome to Times of India's live coverage of the T20 World Cup Group D clash between New Zealand and South Africa in Ahmedabad.
With both teams unbeaten after two matches, qualification for the Super 8s appears virtually assured, but the top spot in the group remains up for grabs. The outcome could influence momentum and potentially shape the path ahead in the knockout stages.
New Zealand have been clinical, registering a 10-wicket win over UAE and chasing down 183 against Afghanistan in 17.5 overs.
South Africa have also won theor both matches, posting 213/4 against Canada and prevailing in a double Super Over thriller against Afghanistan. Beyond points, this contest carries layers of narrative — familiarity with conditions, shared franchise ties and a history of tight World Cup meetings.
With Super 8 qualification nearly secured, finishing first in Group D carries strategic value. A favourable draw and psychological momentum can shape knockout campaigns. New Zealand have appeared clinical in chases, while South Africa have shown resilience under pressure and adaptability to conditions in Ahmedabad. The contest may ultimately hinge on powerplay control and late-overs execution. Beyond two points, this is about asserting authority before the tournament enters its decisive phase.
South Africa have won seven of 13 completed men’s World Cup meetings against New Zealand, including all four in the T20 format. Yet New Zealand won the ODI knockout clashes in 2011 and 2015. The overall men’s World Cup head-to-head stands 13-11 in New Zealand’s favour. While Saturday’s match is not a knockout, the historical balance lends context. Both sides are aware that group supremacy may influence subsequent match-ups.
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