The cricketing rivalry between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team is marked by a period of sheer dominance, competitive spirit, and powerful performances. The fanbase of both teams has seen it all, from smooth encounters to last-ball thrillers, especially in ICC events. On one side, it is South Africa, which is the recent ICC Trophy winner, as they have won the World Test Championship in 2025 after a gap of 27 years by beating the mighty Australia. On the other side, New Zealand won the inaugural season of the World Test Championship in 2021 by beating India.
Whether it’s South Africa’s batting lineup or New Zealand’s spin power, both teams are known for providing only three things in their encounters – entertainment, entertainment, and entertainment. Having said that, let us travel back and recall some memorable matches and moments. Yes, we are 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
In test cricket, the South Africa National Cricket Team has often showcased its power against the New Zealand National Cricket Team, winning some comfortable matches in home conditions. Moreover, the Kiwis, on the other side, have proved to be a competitive rival to bat, especially against their spin line-up. Further, in initial tours, the Proteas clearly showed the Kiwis the power of their batting line-up by winning all the first 10 encounters, except for those that were declared a draw. With this, let’s have a look at the New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline in test matches
South Africa’s First Win
It was the first test match encounter between the Proteas and the Kiwis on 27th February, 1932, at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, where South Africa registered their first ever win against New Zealand by an innings and 12 runs. This win was more special as it came on the home soil of New Zealand. Well, this was just the beginning of a long-term domination of South Africa against New Zealand in the test matches.
New Zealand’s First Win
It was the 12th test match between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team on 1st January 1962, at Newlands, Cape Town, where the Kiwis secured their first test win against the Proteas by beating them by 72 runs. This win was personal as it was their first win in front of their home ground after 10 consecutive losses.
14th Test Match – New Zealand’s Win On South African Soil
We would like to highlight the 14th test match between both teams. It was 16th February, 1962, and the match was played at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth. This match is special because it was the first time New Zealand won a test match against South Africa on the Proteas’ home soil, making it clear that they should not be underestimated.
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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 match number 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 a 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, this is 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.
