Surely, one of the most interesting tests and ODI series from the decade in 20th-century test match cricket with a vast period of hovering dominance, heat, and power between these two teams. Both these teams’ fanbases have witnessed everything, from easy breezy encounters to last-ball nail-biters, more so in ICC events. On one side, it is South Africa, which is a recent champion in the ICC Trophy, as they won the World Test Championship 2025 after 27 long years by defeating the mighty Australia. On the flip side, New Zealand claimed the maiden season of the World Test Championship trophy in 2021 by defeating India.
South Africa’s batting lineup and New Zealand’s spin power both deliver only three things in their encounters—entertainment, entertainment, and entertainment. That said, let’s time travel back and reminisce about some classic matches and moments. And no, we are not talking about the New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline. Let’s take a look.
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline – Tests Encounters
South Africa National Cricket Team has been quite a dominant force in test cricket against New Zealand National Cricket Team and had words all over the world, especially at home. Further, Kiwis have been a competitive side to bat against them particularly with their spin line-up. Meanwhile, in maiden tours, the Proteas charitably taught their batting line-up’s potency to the Kiwis by winning all of the first 10 meetings—barring those declared a draw. So, with this lets check the New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline in test matches.
South Africa’s First Win
However, if we go for the first test match played between these two nations, it will lead us to AMI Stadium, Christchurch, on 27th February, 1932, with South Africa winning by an inning and 12 runs against New Zealand. It was more special because this win came on the home soil of New Zealand. Well, this was the start of a weak monopoly in favor of South Africa against New Zealand in test matches.
New Zealand’s First Win
Here is the first test win for the Kiwis, winning by 72 runs against the Proteas at Newlands in Cape Town after the previous 12 Test encounters between South Africa National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team: date January 1, 1962. It was personal for them; after 10 straight defeats, this was their first victory on home ground.
14th TEST MATCH — A NEW ZEALAND WIN ON SOUTH AFRICAN SOIL
This is the 14th test match between both sides, and we want to make it a memorable one. The date was 16th February, 1962, and the venue of this match was St. George’s Park, Port Elizabeth. This is a special match and the first time New Zealand winning a test match on South African home soil and not to be ranked cheap.
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Head-To-Head In Test Matches
The South Africa National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team have faced each other 49 times in the history of test matches. Out of the 49 encounters, only 7 have been won by the Kiwis, and the Proteas have won 26 matches, proving why they are called the most dominant team. Further, 16 matches have been declared drawn.
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Matches | 49 |
| South Africa Won | 26 |
| New Zealand Won | 7 |
| South Africa Lost | 7 |
| New Zealand Lost | 26 |
| Tie | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Draw | 16 |
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline – ODI Encounters
Talking about the One Day Internationals (ODIs), the trend is similar here too. The South African National Cricket Team outsmarted the New Zealand National Cricket Team with their power hitting and bowling line-up. However, we can say that the competition from the Kiwis’ side was strong, and they kept the Proteas under pressure many a time. The initial 3 encounters were won by New Zealand until South Africa bounced back like never before. With this, scroll down and take a look at the New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline in the ODIs
New Zealand’s First Win
It was the first ever ODI match between these two rivals. The match was played on 29th February, 1992, at Eden Park, Auckland, where New Zealand secured their first ever ODI win against South Africa by 7 wickets. This win came in front of the home crowd, making it even more personal and special.
South Africa’s First Win
Well, New Zealand’s dominance couldn’t last long, and South Africa made a fierce comeback against the Kiwis in the 4th match itself. The match was played on 14th January, 1994, at WACA Ground, Perth, where the Proteas secured a comfortable win against New Zealand by 5 wickets. However, this win came at a neutral venue.
Match 17th – South Africa’s First Win On New Zealand’s Soil
It was the 17th match on 26th March, 1999, at McLean Park, Napier, where South Africa registered their first ever ODI victory on New Zealand’s soil. They beat the Kiwis by 2 wickets and smashed the rivals on their own home ground.
Match 49th – New Zealand’s First Win On South African Soil
It was match number 49th on 30th November, 2007, at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, where the Kiwis beat the Proteas on their home soil for the first time ever in an ODI format. They beat South Africa by 7 wickets and smashed their arch rivals in front of their home crowd.
Head-To-Head Record In ODIs
Both teams have faced each other 74 times in the history of ODI cricket. Out of the 74 encounters, 27 have been won by the Kiwis, and 42 have been won by the Proteas, again showcasing their dominance in yet another format. Moreover, 5 encounters have ended in no result.
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Matches | 74 |
| South Africa Won | 42 |
| New Zealand Won | 27 |
| South Africa Lost | 27 |
| New Zealand Lost | 42 |
| Tie | 0 |
| No Result | 5 |
| Draw | 0 |
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline – T20I Encounters
Talking about the Twenty-Twenty International (T20Is), South Africa has always been on the dominant side in this format too. Although the T20I rivalry between these two teams is not as popular as other formats, it still holds a special place in their fans’ hearts for the memories it has given them. While the nature of T20Is may vary from match to match, South Africa’s overall record reflects their strength in this format against New Zealand. With this, let’s have a look at the New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline in the T20Is.
New Zealand’s First Win
It was the first ever T20I match between the two countries, on 21st October, 2005, at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, which was smoothly won by the Kiwis by bashing South Africa by 5 wickets. This win was more special as it was their first-ever T20I win against South Africa on their home soil.
South Africa’s First Win
It was the second T20I encounter between both teams, on 19th September 2007, at Kingsmead, Durban, where the Proteas secured their first ever T20I win against the Kiwis by beating them by 6 wickets. This win came in front of South Africa’s home crowd, making it even more worth celebrating.
7th Match – South Africa’s First Win On New Zealand’s Home Soil
It was the 7th T20I encounter between both teams on 19th February, 2012, at Seddon Park, Hamilton, where South Africa smoothly bashed New Zealand on their home soil, in front of their home crowd, and won the match by 4 wickets. This win became more special as this was the Proteas’ first-ever T20I win against New Zealand on their home soil.
Head-To-Head Records In T20Is
Both teams have faced each other only 15 times in the history of T20I matches. Out of the 15 encounters, 11 have been won by South Africa, showcasing their brilliant performance, while New Zealand has managed to win only 4 T20I encounters. Additionally, there is no history of draws or matches ending in a no-result.
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| Particulars | Details |
| Total Matches | 15 |
| South Africa Won | 11 |
| New Zealand Won | 4 |
| South Africa Lost | 4 |
| New Zealand Lost | 11 |
| Tie | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Draw | 0 |
Conclusion
The New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline across all formats has given us some memorable performances, records, and let’s be real, some heartbreaks too. While South Africa has proved their brilliance over New Zealand many a time, they still find it difficult to play New Zealand’s spinners sometimes. Talking about New Zealand, they may lag in the stats, but the sheer dedication and competitive spirit from the players make this team one of the strongest for their rivals. Moreover, these are just a few mentions of the history; the timeline has witnessed many other performances and results worth remembering, and with such a modern team line-up, we are set to witness many more memorable records and results in the upcoming years.
