It will be South Africa’s third straight match at the venue, and the Black Caps have long been something of a bogey side for the Proteas at World Cups, as well as in both white-ball formats over the years.

As things stand, the Kiwis sit at the top of the group and can seal their place in the next round with a victory, while the Proteas are hot on their heels in second.

The Black Caps thrashed the United Arab Emirates by ten wickets and then beat Afghanistan by five wickets in their opening two matches. 

By contrast, South Africa outmuscled Canada by 57 runs before surviving a massive scare against Afghanistan, eventually winning via two Super Overs in a nail-biting encounter.

Lungi Ngidi. Photo: Cricinfo

There is also the Rob Walter factor. The former Proteas coach resigned in 2024 to take charge of the Black Caps, adding an intriguing subplot to Saturday’s clash. Proteas skipper Aiden Markram admitted while Walter hasn’t been a major talking point in the camp, his inside knowledge of the squad could prove significant.

“We actually haven’t, no – it’s a good point actually. But he’ll know all of us pretty well, how each of us operates and the things that bring out the best in us.” 

“The areas where they can maybe challenge us – I suppose we’re at a stage now as a team where I still don’t think we’re quite near our best, so a lot of the focus is there.

“If we can keep getting better and play closer to our full potential as a team, then I feel like the results will hopefully take care of themselves.”

Markram said while the Proteas back themselves to move to the top of the group with a win, they will need to sharpen up, particularly in the discipline department, after dodging a bullet against Afghanistan.

“Yeah, first and foremost, discipline – not just from the no-balls or anything like that, but 22 extras in two games.” 

Rob Walter. Photo: Cricinfo

“And that’s a lot of runs in this format. Let’s say you halve it and it’s 11 a game – on average, that can add up and really hurt you down the line. So that’s probably first and foremost where a lot of the chats have been.

“Then each bowler uses their skills accordingly on the day. I don’t think you can have a set plan as a unit. If one guy can really execute slower balls and another guy’s slower ball isn’t as strong, you’re taking a chance by asking him to do something he’s not as good at.

“So it’s about breaking it down individually and trying to bring out the best in each of them.”

Saturday’s (14/2) eagerly anticipated clash between South Africa and New Zealand in Ahmedabad is scheduled for 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg