New Zealand v South Africa World Cup Tips: Batters to dominate in Pune

• Kiwis underrated at 2.3211/8

• Runs in the offing

• Klaasen value at 6/17.00

New Zealand v South Africa
Wednesday 1st November, 08:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

New Zealand v South Africa World Cup team news

New Zealand fought hard against Australia and although they came up five runs short in the chase they kept their net run rate strong. Kane Williamson may be fit to return to the side at the expense of Will Young, meaning Rachin Ravindra would move to opener. Tim Southee can't find a way in at present.

Possible XI: Conway, Ravindra, Williamson, Mitchell, Latham, Phillips, Neesham, Santner, Ferguson, Henry, Boult

South Africa could welcome back Kagiso Rabada after the pacemen missed the win over Pakistan with lower back spasms. Temba Bavuma is over the illness which kept him on the sidelines and he returned for the nailibiting Chennai clash. If Rabada is fit, Tabraiz Shamsi may be considered unfortunate to miss out given his four wickets against Pakistan.

Possible XI: De Kock, Bavuma, van der Dussen, Markram, Klaasen, Miller, Jansen, Coetzee, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi

New Zealand v South Africa World Cup pitch report

The Pune surface looked good for batting despite Sri Lanka being bowled out for 242 against Afghanistan. Bangladesh, as one would expect, laboured against india who then made it look like a road. We think runs here with South Africa often pricey with the ball and New Zealand going round the park against Australia. Recent scores may mean backing the side batting first for 290 or more at around 1.804/5 could be on. Sportsbook go 21/103.10 that both sides make 300.

New Zealand v South Africa World Cup team match odds

South Africa are favourites at 1.748/11 with New Zealand rated at 2.3211/8. The two haven't met since the last World Cup when New Zealand won with ease.

We don't expect a similarly dominant performance but the Kiwis do deserve more respect. They are an efficient and organised unit first up. And they have the ability to go through the gears with the bat like the best.

In short, they're exactly the sort of side that can challenge a South Africa team who have benefitted from opposition calamity in this tournament (see England, Pakistan)

If New Zealand bat first we expect them to trade as favourites. But don't rule out South Africa shortening further on a flat one first up.

New Zealand v South Africa World Cup team player bets

Players to follow on win rate are Glenn Phillips for the Kiwis at 15/28.50 and Heinrich Klaasen at 6/17.00. We are slightly wary that on a good batting wicket, though, we could get much bigger prices in play. In an ideal world we'd prefer to be betting on either for a fifty. Gerald Coetzee is underrated at 7/24.50 for top South Africa bowler.