Introduction
The rivalry between the South Africa national cricket team (SA) and the New Zealand national cricket team (NZ) is one of cricket’s most enduring and multifaceted — spanning generations, eras, formats, and shifting cricketing philosophies. The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline traces nearly a century of contests, from early Test encounters in the 1930s to the modern-day battles in ODIs and T20Is.
This timeline matters not just for the numbers but for the stories: historic wins, heartbreaking losses, individual brilliance, and evolving team identities. Through it, one can appreciate how SA vs NZ rivalry transformed over time — from early dominance by one side to competitive balance, and a mutual respect forged through cricketing battles.
Across formats — Test, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty-20 Internationals (T20Is) — the rivalry has delivered thrilling matches, dramatic turnarounds, and memorable individual performances. Below is a comprehensive chronological and format-wise breakdown of that journey.
1990s Matches & Key Moments
While the rivalry officially began decades earlier, the 1990s saw renewed contests post-South Africa’s readmission to international cricket — setting the stage for modern rivalry dynamics.
- 1994/95 Test Series (South Africa tour of New Zealand): The two sides clashed in a three-match Test series. SA won 2–1.
- 1998/99 Tour (in New Zealand): Three-Test series; SA won one Test, and the other two ended in draws.
Although ODI cricket between SA and NZ had begun earlier (see next sections), the 1990s reinforced SA’s strong Test legacy and set up future high-stake series in both countries.
2000–2009: Major Tours & ICC Events
The early 2000s brought more frequent meetings across formats, with both bilateral series and ICC tournaments adding to the SA vs NZ cricket history.
- Test tours continued sporadically — in 2000/01 SA hosted, and earlier in 2003/04 NZ toured South Africa, resulting in mixed results including draws.
- In ODIs, the rivalry became more pronounced. The total number of ODIs between SA and NZ rose significantly through this period, shaping key head-to-head statistics. According to recent data, South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other more than 70 times in ODIs, with SA historically holding the upper hand.
- T20I cricket made its entry into this rivalry when the two sides first met on 21 October 2005 at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. New Zealand won that sole T20I by 5 wickets.
This era laid the foundation for a modern rivalry: balancing traditional Test supremacy with the new dynamics of limited-overs cricket.
2010–2015: ODI World Cup & Test Series Rivalry
The first half of the 2010s saw both sides bring top-level cricket together — in ICC tournaments and bilateral series — with some fiercely contested matches.
- In Tests, although series were not as frequent, each match carried weight as both SA and NZ nurtured strong pace and spin attacks, as well as resilient batting lineups.
- In ODIs, matchups continued to pile up — contributing to a substantial head-to-head record. According to recent tallies, by 2025, SA have won 42 ODIs against NZ’s 26 (with a few No Results) in their rivalry history.
- Matches in ICC events and bilateral series began to feature top performers from both sides, setting up rivalries not just between teams but between individual players — the kind that added narrative depth to the SA vs NZ rivalry timeline.
Though not every series is individually memorable, the accumulation of matches in this period enriched the statistical and emotional weight of the rivalry.
2015–2020: Rise of Rabada, Williamson Era, Close Encounters
This period arguably marked a shift: newer generations, fresh talent, and more balanced contests between SA and NZ.
- In this phase, both teams boasted world-class players: SA with bowlers like Kagiso Rabada, and NZ with stalwarts such as Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. Their performances — often across all formats — defined key matches in this rivalry.
- The ODI head-to-head remained tilted towards SA, but margins became narrower, with many games decided in final overs or heavy run chases.
- T20I contests, though fewer, became more strategic and competitive. While SA had early successes, NZ’s adaptability and experience began to show.
This era added nuance to the SA vs NZ cricket history — it was no longer one-sided dominance but an evolving rivalry where both sides could win on merit.
2020–2025: Recent Matches, Series Wins, Record Performances
The most recent period has been a rollercoaster of fortunes — dramatic chases, historic individual performances, and renewed intensity in SA vs NZ matchups.
- In Test cricket, during the 2021/22 tour of New Zealand, the two-Test series ended 1–1: NZ thrashed SA by an innings and 276 runs in the first Test, while SA bounced back strongly in the second.
- In the 2023/24 series, NZ dominated — winning both Tests convincingly.
- In ODIs, notable recent matches include a massive 190-run win by SA over NZ on 1 November 2023 in Pune.
- Early 2025 saw dramatic encounters: on 10 February 2025, SA’s debutant Matthew Breetzke scored 150 on ODI debut — the highest ever by any player on debut — against NZ at Gaddafi Stadium. Still, NZ chased down the target.
- Most recently, on 16 July 2025, NZ beat SA by 21 runs in a T20 Tri-series match held at Harare Sports Club — underlining that T20Is remain unpredictable and fiercely contested.
These recent chapters reinforce that in the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline, rivalry remains alive, evolving, and as competitive as ever.
Format-wise Breakdown
Test Timeline
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| First Test series | 1931–32, New Zealand tour of New Zealand — SA won 2–0. First Test at Lancaster Park (Christchurch), second at Basin Reserve (Wellington). |
| SA Dominance (mid 20th century) | Through 1950s, SA repeatedly trounced NZ — 1953 series (NZ tour) saw SA win by an innings and 180 runs in first Test. |
| Modern era, balanced contests | Recent series 2021/22 ended in 1–1 draw. 2023/24 — NZ won 2–0, showing competitive resurgence. |
| Total head-to-head (as of 2025) | 49 Tests: SA 26 wins, NZ 7 wins, 16 draws. |
ODI Timeline
- First ODI between SA vs NZ: According to head-to-head records, their ODI rivalry spans over 70+ matches.
- Overall Record (2025): SA – 42 wins; NZ – 26 wins; No Result – 5.
- Notable recent ODI: 1 November 2023 — SA’s massive 190-run victory in Pune.
- Historic individual performance: Matthew Breetzke’s 150 on ODI debut (Feb 2025) — highest debut score in ODI history.
T20I Timeline
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| First and only early T20I | 21 October 2005, The Wanderers, Johannesburg — NZ won by 5 wickets. |
| Head-to-head (as of 2025) | 18 T20Is played: SA 11 wins, NZ 7 wins. |
| Recent match (2025) | On 16 July 2025, NZ beat SA by 21 runs in a T20 Tri-series at Harare. |
Head-to-Head Statistics
Tests
| Matches | SA Wins | NZ Wins | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 26 | 7 | 16 |
ODIs
| Matches (total) | SA Wins | NZ Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74 (as per recent records) | 42 | 26 | 5 |
T20Is
| Matches | SA Wins | NZ Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | 11 | 7 |
Star Players Who Defined the Rivalry
Some individuals — through consistency, brilliance, or clutch performances — have shaped the contours of the SA vs NZ rivalry. Among them:
- Graeme Smith — As SA captain and opener, his leadership and batting in Test and ODI helped cement SA’s dominance over NZ.
- Hashim Amla — Reliable across formats: his calm presence and ability to anchor innings often troubled NZ bowlers.
- Dale Steyn — His pace and wicket-taking ability in Tests added teeth to SA’s bowling attack whenever NZ toured.
- Kane Williamson — The backbone of NZ, his composure, classical batting and match-winning centuries have often steadied the Kiwis against SA’s aggression.
- Ross Taylor — As a middle-order mainstay, his experience and power-hitting in ODIs and T20Is made NZ a competitive threat consistently.
- Trent Boult — With swing bowling and early breakthroughs, Boult has been central to NZ’s pace attack, especially in limited overs vs SA.
- Kagiso Rabada — SA’s modern pace powerhouse; his raw pace and wicket-taking ability have frequently troubled NZ batsmen, especially in Test and ODI formats.
These players — among others — personify the ebb and flow of the SA vs NZ cricket history.
Greatest Matches in the Timeline
Here are some of the most memorable SA vs NZ classics — matches that stand out not just for results, but for drama, heroics, and turning points:
- First-ever Test, 27 Feb-1 Mar 1932, Christchurch (Lancaster Park) — SA won by an innings and 12 runs, setting the tone for early dominance.
- 2005 Only T20I, Johannesburg — Inaugural SA vs NZ T20 clash; a close contest eventually won by NZ by 5 wickets.
- 1 Nov 2023 ODI, Pune — SA’s dominant 190-run win, showing their strong ODI form and ability to blitz NZ comprehensively.
- 10 Feb 2025 ODI (Tri-series), Lahore — Debutant Breetzke’s 150 on debut — a record — though SA lost — marking a bittersweet but historic moment in SA vs NZ ODI history.
- 16 July 2025 T20, Harare — Tri-series match: NZ beat SA by 21 runs; a demonstration of NZ’s T20 resurgence and SA’s vulnerability in limited overs.
- 2023/24 Test Series (NZ hosts) — NZ’s 2–0 series win reaffirmed their ascendancy in Tests against SA; a major shift in the rivalry’s momentum.
These matches contribute significantly to why fans look forward whenever SA and NZ face off — unpredictability, high stakes, and quality cricket.
Recent Encounters (2023–2025)
- ODI, 1 Nov 2023 (Pune): SA routed NZ by 190 runs.
- ODI Tri-series, 10 Feb 2025 (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore): Despite a magnificent 150 by Breetzke on debut, SA fell short as NZ chased down successfully.
- T20 Tri-series, 16 July 2025 (Harare Sports Club): NZ beat SA by 21 runs, underlining VN’s recent form in T20Is.
These matches show that even beyond its traditional formats, the SA vs NZ rivalry continues to deliver excitement and compelling cricket.
Records & Milestones
Some of the landmark records in the SA vs NZ rivalry include:
- Longest-standing dominance in Test early years: From the first Test in 1932, SA established early dominance, winning the inaugural series 2–0.
- Total head-to-head (as of 2025): 49 Tests, 74 ODIs, 18 T20Is — among the highest for bilateral rivalries spanning multiple formats.
- ODI head-to-head edge: SA’s 42 wins vs NZ’s 26 (plus some No Results) — demonstrating their historical strength in ODIs.
- T20I margin swings: While SA lead in total wins, NZ’s successes — including recent ones — show the rivalry remains alive in the shortest format.
- Historic individual feats: Matthew Breetzke’s 150 on ODI debut in 2025 — highest score ever by a player on debut across international ODI history.
Expert Analysis: Evolution of Rivalry & What Lies Ahead
Over nearly a century, the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline reflects shifting power dynamics, changing styles, and evolving cricketing cultures.
- From dominance to balance: In early decades, SA dominated Tests; but in recent years, especially 2023/24, NZ has shown that they can comprehensively beat SA in their home conditions.
- Limited-overs unpredictability: While SA holds the edge in ODIs historically, NZ’s resurgence in T20Is and improved consistency makes any match between them unpredictable and engaging.
- New generation, new challenges: With players like Breetzke, and continuing talents like Boult, Rabada, Williamson, Taylor, the rivalry is now being carried forward by fresh blood, ensuring its vitality.
- What to expect: As both teams rebuild and rotate squads, future SA vs NZ encounters may be shaped more by depth than star names. Expect tight series, close finishes, and maybe more records — on batting, bowling, or comebacks.
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FAQs
Q: When did SA and NZ first play each other?
A: Their first Test series was in 1931–32, in New Zealand. SA won that inaugural series 2–0.
Q: Who has won more matches between South Africa and New Zealand?
A: Overall, across all formats, South Africa leads — especially in Tests (26 wins to NZ’s 7) and ODIs.
Q: Which is the most memorable SA vs NZ match?
A: Opinions vary, but some of the most memorable include the first Test in 1932 (historic start), the 2005 first T20I, and more recently, matches like the 2023 Pune ODI and Matthew Breetzke’s 150 in 2025 which blended personal milestone with contest drama.
Q: Who are the top run-scorers in the rivalry?
A: On the SA side — players like Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla have had major influence. For NZ — Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor stand out for consistency and big-match performances.
Q: Has NZ ever dominated SA comprehensively in a series?
A: Yes — notably the 2023/24 Test series, where NZ won 2–0. That series underlined a shift in power in Tests along the SA vs NZ cricket history.
Conclusion
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline is more than a record of wins and losses — it’s a chronicle of evolving cricket philosophies, generational transitions, and sporting pride. From the early days of SA dominance in Tests to the modern balance across all formats, the rivalry has matured and transformed.
Across nearly a century, fans have witnessed debut centuries, pace-bowling fireworks, nerve-wrecking chases, and classic Test battles. The likes of Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn on one side — and Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult on the other — have given life to this rivalry.
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