New Zealand's must-win game after two losses and poor bowling performance  

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Devon Conway has odds of 4.02 to be the best batsman for New Zealand.  
• Quinton de Kock has odds of 4.18 to be South Africa's best batsman. 
• Trent Boult has odds of 4.18 to be New Zealand's best bowler.  
• Kagiso Rabada has odds of 3.57 to be the best bowler for South Africa.  

MATCH PREVIEW     

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is in its most crucial phase. All teams are looking to improve their position on the points table. The 32nd game between New Zealand and South Africa will be critical in this context. A win here will take them a step closer to the knockouts. New Zealand has seen its odds fall with back-to-back defeats. They went down against Australia in a run feast at Dharmashala. South Africans come here with a nail-biting win against Pakistan and will look to seal a berth in the semifinals with a win. Both teams have high stakes, and we expect a close contest.  

New Zealand Preview      

It was "so close yet so far" for Tom Latham's side in the last game against Australia. Chasing 389 runs to win, they fell short by five runs. It was a tremendous show from their batsmen in a run-chase, but they failed to outdo the poor efforts of their bowlers. They have lost two games in a row and have fallen in the pecking order for cricket betting sites. With skipper Kane Willimason's comeback still hanging in the balance, Latham would like to see a good show from his side in this game.  

Devon Conway and Will Young have done well against the new ball, but the side will expect a big stand from them for the opening wicket. Rachin Ravindra has been the best batsman for the side in the tournament, and he will look to add runs with Latham and Glenn Phillips in the middle order. They have good finishers in this line-up and shall expect runs from James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry.  

The bowling attack has let the side down in the last two games. They will face a big test against South Africa's powerful batting line-up and need a good show from Trent Boult and Matt Henry with the new ball. Santner and Lockie Ferguson must check the scoring rate, as the South African middle order has done well. Phillips, Neesham, and Rachin Ravindra must do well in the supporting role.  

Expected Starting XI for New Zealand     

Tom Latham (c & wk), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson 

South Africa Preview      

Temba Bavuma's side has punched above its weight in this tournament. Most betting tips didn't have them as one of the top contenders for the title at the start. However, the side has played exceptionally well, and their 1-wicket win against Pakistan is testimony to their form. They will aim to dislodge India from the top of the points table with a win in this contest and book a berth in the semis.  

Quinton de Kock has made 431 runs in six games and will aim for a big partnership with skipper Temba Bavuma. The middle order is formidable for the team, and they will expect runs from the experienced trio of Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen. David Miller and Marco Jansen add firepower to this batting line-up in the lower middle order.   

Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen have been brilliant with the new ball and will look to continue with the same form. Kagiso Rabada's return will strengthen this attack, and he will look to make life tough for New Zealand's batsmen. Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Markram will enjoy Pune's conditions and look to make the best out of it.   

Expected Starting XI for South Africa     

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, 

TOSS: To Bat First      

This wicket is good to bat on at the start of the game. The ball swings a lot in the second innings, and fast bowlers do well in the second half. The side that wins the toss shall look to bat first and bat on a flat surface, putting up a big score.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The skies will be clear over Pune. It is a flat deck where the ball shall come to the bat nicely. There is something for the spinners on this surface, but fast bowlers won't have it easy on this track. The side batting first shall need more than 300 runs on this track to defend it successfully.     

OUR PREDICTION      

New Zealand will lack confidence after consecutive losses. In both games, the bowling attack has failed to deliver the goods. They are up against the most successful batting line-up in this tournament. They must bowl well to win this game. South Africans have ticked all the boxes and have their top 5 in great form. It will be a close game, but according to our World Cup betting tips, the South Africans have the edge.  

Our Prediction is for South Africa to win