South Africa got their first win of the ICC World Cup 2019 against minnows Afghanistan after a relatively dark phase in the campaign. They next face New Zealand, a side that knocked them out of the last World Cup in dramatic fashion in the semis. The Black Caps now have a chance to all but make sure the Proteas do not progress any further with a victory in Birmingham. New Zealand are currently in top four but have some tough fixtures coming up which will test their mettle. For the Proteas, the availability of pacer Lungi Ngidi will be a huge boost. If we talk about the head to head record between the teams in ODIs, New Zealand have won 24, South Africa 41, 5 games producing no results in their 70 odd clashes. A look back at their last five games. New Zealand vs South Africa Cricket Score 25th ODI Match.

New Zealand vs South Africa – 4th March 2017 – Eden Park, Auckland – South Africa won by 6 wickets

South African pacers led by Kagiso Rabada with three wickets to dismantle the hosts for 149 in just 41.1 overs. The Proteas in reply lost two early wickets but their innings was revived by Faf Du Plessis who chipped in with a patient fifty. They went on to win the game by 6 wickets as Du Plessis stuck a wonderful partnership with David Miller. New Zealand vs South Africa Dream11 Team Predictions: Best Picks for All-Rounders, Batsmen, Bowlers & Wicket-Keepers for NZ vs SA in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 25.

New Zealand vs South Africa – 1st March 2017 – Seddon Park, Hamilton – New Zealand won by 7 wickets

South Africa batting first put on 279/8 in their quota of fifty overs with the fifties from AB De Villiers and Faf Du Plessis. But the Proteas bowlers had no answer to Martin Guptill in the second innings as the opener belted an unbeaten 180. His inspiring innings along with a fifty from Ross Taylor meant the home team won by 7 wickets.

New Zealand vs South Africa – 25th February 2017 – Westpac Stadium, Wellington – South Africa won by 159 runs

Power hitters AB De Villiers and Quinton De Kock had a good time with the bat with scores of 85 and 68 respectively helping South Africa put 271 on board. The visitors then bowled extremely well with everyone amongst wickets. New Zealand folded for 112 in 32.2 overs handing Proteas the game by 159 runs.

New Zealand vs South Africa – 22nd February 2017 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch – New Zealand won by 6 runs

Dane Pretorius of South Africa almost got his team home from a difficult situation with a fifty but his efforts proved futile in the end. Proteas chasing 290 fell short by 6 runs in a game that saw many ups and downs. Earlier Ross Taylor hit a century to propel his team to a decent total on a flat batting wicket.

New Zealand vs South Africa – 19th February 2017 – Seddon Park, Hamilton – South Africa won by 4 wickets

South Africa won a rain-curtailed game by 4 wickets with Quinton De Kock top scoring with 69 runs. Chasing 208 in 34 overs, the visitors had little difficulty getting to the target. Earlier Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson hit a fifty to help the Kiwis get past the 200-run mark.

New Zealand vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 25 Video Preview

If South Africa play to their true potential, they could really challenge New Zealand who we have seen in the past falter under pressure.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2019 12:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).