In their upcoming World Cup fixture, New Zealand aims to regain their winning momentum. The team will be missing their skipper, Kane Williamson, for this match, with his fitness being reevaluated before the encounter with Pakistan. New Zealand’s campaign in the World Cup started impressively, as they defeated England by nine wickets.

With their sights set on securing a playoff spot early, they strung together four consecutive victories. However, their unbeaten run was halted by India, who won by four wickets thanks to Virat Kohli’s outstanding 95-run innings. In their most recent game, New Zealand faced a narrow defeat against Australia, despite Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant 116-run knock.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli Reflects On His Unprecedented Journey: Nearing the Milestone Of 49 ODI Centuries

“Kane Williamson has been ruled out of Wednesday’s match against @ProteasMenCSA. Williamson has batted in the nets the last two days but has been ruled out of a return to match action tomorrow. He will be assessed again ahead of the side’s next match against @TheRealPCB. #CWC23” Blackcaps wrote on X.

Kane Williamson has been ruled out of Wednesday’s match against @ProteasMenCSA.

Williamson has batted in the nets the last two days but has been ruled out of a return to match action tomorrow.

He will be assessed again ahead of the side’s next match against @TheRealPCB. #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/c8TIJRe7cT

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 31, 2023

On November 1, these cricket powerhouses will face each other at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. South Africa has been a formidable force in this World Cup, defeating some of the top teams. They overcame Australia comfortably and narrowly edged past Pakistan, although they did suffer an unexpected loss to the Netherlands. With only one defeat so far, South Africa is well on track for a place in the playoffs and aims to continue their impressive form against New Zealand.

WATCH – Mohammed Wasim Jr Shines As Bangladesh Bowled Out In ICC World Cup Clash

In their cricketing history, New Zealand and South Africa have clashed 71 times, with South Africa holding the upper hand in most encounters, winning 41 times. However, in World Cup competitions, the Kiwis have had the edge with six victories compared to South Africa’s two. This sets the stage for an exciting and competitive encounter between two cricketing giants.

NZ Probable XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (C & WK), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Matt Henry

SA Probable XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (WK), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee