Cricket enthusiasts worldwide were treated to an extraordinary spectacle when the New Zealand national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard was unveiled following their captivating encounter in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series.
This remarkable contest, held on February 10, 2025, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, delivered pure cricketing magic that will be remembered for years to come.
The New Zealand national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard reveals that New Zealand secured a commanding victory by 6 wickets, sending their supporters into wild celebrations across the globe.
What transformed this ordinary Monday morning into something truly special were the exceptional individual performances that graced the field.
From Matthew Breetzke’s fairy-tale debut century to Kane Williamson’s masterful unbeaten 133, the NZ national cricket team vs SA national cricket team match scorecard narrates a compelling story of determination, skill, and sporting excellence.
The match featured dramatic momentum shifts, breathtaking partnerships, and nail-biting moments that kept thousands of spectators glued to their seats.
Both teams demonstrated incredible fighting spirit, showcasing why international cricket remains one of the world’s most beloved sports.
The NZ national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard perfectly captures how evenly matched these two cricketing powerhouses were, with each team pushing the other to their absolute limits.
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every crucial detail of this unforgettable encounter, explaining the game’s intricacies in simple terms that cricket newcomers and seasoned fans alike can appreciate and enjoy.
Overview Of South Africa National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match
This sensational cricket encounter formed a crucial part of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, a prestigious tournament that brought together three of cricket’s most competitive nations for an unforgettable sporting festival.
The match unfolded on a perfect Monday morning, with ideal weather conditions creating the perfect backdrop for what would become one of the tournament’s most memorable contests.
Comprehensive Match Information:
- Match Date: February 10, 2025 (Monday morning)
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
- Toss Winner: New Zealand (elected to field first)
- Final Result: New Zealand triumphed by 6 wickets
- Match Start: 10:00 AM Pakistan Standard Time
- Playing Conditions: Perfect weather, excellent pitch
- On-field Umpires: Rashid Riaz and Richard Illingworth
- Third Umpire: Michael Gough
- Match Referee: David Boon
- Crowd Attendance: Nearly full capacity at Gaddafi Stadium
The toss proved absolutely crucial in determining the match’s outcome. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner called correctly and made the strategic decision to bowl first, a choice that would prove instrumental in their eventual victory.
The pitch conditions at Gaddafi Stadium traditionally favor the team batting second, as the surface tends to ease out as the day progresses, making run-scoring more comfortable under lights.
The match officials represented the highest standard of international cricket. David Boon, the respected match referee, brought decades of experience both as a player and administrator.
The umpiring team of Rashid Riaz and Richard Illingworth made several crucial decisions throughout the match, all of which stood up to scrutiny and helped maintain the contest’s integrity.
Their consistent and fair officiating allowed both teams to focus entirely on playing their best cricket.
The atmosphere at Gaddafi Stadium was absolutely electric, with passionate Pakistani cricket fans creating an incredible backdrop for this international showdown.
The crowd’s enthusiasm added an extra dimension to the match, with every boundary, wicket, and spectacular catch receiving thunderous applause from the appreciative audience.
SA Vs NZ Match Scorecard In 1st Inning
South Africa approached their batting innings with aggressive intent after losing the toss, knowing they needed to post a substantial total to put pressure on New Zealand’s strong batting lineup. Their strategy focused on building partnerships while maintaining a healthy run rate throughout their allocated overs.
Batting
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Minutes | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Dismissal Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke | 150 | 148 | 184 | 11 | 5 | 101.35 | c Bracewell b Henry |
| Temba Bavuma (C) | 20 | 23 | 33 | 3 | 0 | 86.95 | c Latham b O’Rourke |
| Jason Smith | 41 | 51 | 69 | 1 | 2 | 80.39 | run out (Santner/Latham) |
| Kyle Verreynne (†) | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 | b Bracewell |
| Wiaan Mulder | 64 | 60 | 91 | 5 | 1 | 106.66 | c Mitchell b O’Rourke |
| Eathan Bosch | 7* | 9 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 77.77 | not out |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.66 | c Bracewell b Henry |
| Mihlali Mpongwana | 1* | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | not out |
Matthew Breetzke delivered a dream debut performance that will be talked about for generations.
His magnificent 150 runs came off 148 balls during 184 minutes of pure batting excellence. What made this innings truly special was his remarkable composure under pressure, showing no signs of debut nerves.
He struck 11 crisp boundaries and launched 5 towering sixes, displaying a complete range of shots that had the crowd on their feet repeatedly.
His strike rate of 101.35 proved he combined aggression with sensible cricket, never allowing the asking rate to climb dangerously.
Wiaan Mulder provided crucial support with his explosive 64 runs off just 60 balls. His strike rate of 106.66 demonstrated attacking intent, and his partnership with Breetzke formed the backbone of South Africa’s innings.
Mulder’s innings included 5 boundaries and 1 six, showing he could find gaps and clear the ropes when opportunities arose.
Captain Temba Bavuma contributed a steady 20 runs but fell at a crucial moment when South Africa needed their experienced leader to anchor the innings.
Jason Smith played a valuable cameo of 41 runs, including 2 sixes that showcased his power-hitting ability. Unfortunately, Kyle Verreynne struggled significantly, managing only 1 run before being clean bowled by Michael Bracewell.
Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Dots | 4s | 6s | Wides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry | 10 | 0 | 59 | 2 | 5.90 | 33 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Will O’Rourke | 10 | 0 | 72 | 2 | 7.20 | 30 | 8 | 1 | 10 |
| Ben Sears | 10 | 0 | 65 | 0 | 6.50 | 29 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Mitchell Santner | 10 | 0 | 62 | 0 | 6.20 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Michael Bracewell | 10 | 0 | 43 | 1 | 4.30 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Matt Henry spearheaded New Zealand’s bowling attack with exceptional skill and determination.
His 2 wickets for 59 runs included the massive scalp of Matthew Breetzke, ending the South African’s magnificent innings just when he was looking to accelerate further.
Henry’s 33 dot balls in his 10-over spell showed excellent control and built consistent pressure.
Will O’Rourke proved to be New Zealand’s strike weapon, claiming 2 crucial wickets including the important dismissals of captain Temba Bavuma and the dangerous Wiaan Mulder.
Though his economy rate of 7.20 was higher than ideal, his wicket-taking ability proved invaluable. His 10 wides showed some wayward bowling, but his ability to break partnerships made up for these minor lapses.
Michael Bracewell delivered the most economical bowling performance of the innings with figures of 1 wicket for 43 runs at an economy rate of just 4.30.
His tight bowling tied down the South African batsmen and created pressure that led to wickets at the other end.
SA Vs NZ Match Scorecard In 2nd Inning
New Zealand approached their run chase with calm confidence and strategic planning. Their batting lineup, known for its depth and experience, was perfectly equipped to handle the pressure of chasing a challenging total on this important occasion.
Batting
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Minutes | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Dismissal Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Young | 19 | 31 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 61.29 | c Mpongwana b Bosch |
| Devon Conway | 97 | 107 | 159 | 9 | 1 | 90.65 | c Muthusamy b Dala |
| Kane Williamson | 133* | 113 | 166 | 13 | 2 | 117.69 | not out |
| Daryl Mitchell | 10 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 100.00 | c Mulder b Muthusamy |
| Tom Latham (†) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | lbw b Muthusamy |
| Glenn Phillips | 28* | 32 | 35 | 1 | 1 | 87.50 | not out |
Kane Williamson produced an absolutely masterful match-winning performance that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of cricket’s greatest modern batsmen.
His unbeaten 133 runs came off 113 balls during 166 minutes of pure batting artistry. With a strike rate of 117.69, he perfectly balanced aggression with calculated risk-taking.
His innings featured 13 exquisite boundaries and 2 powerful sixes, each shot played with textbook technique and perfect timing.
Devon Conway provided essential support with his brilliant 97 runs off 107 balls. His dismissal, falling just 3 runs short of a well-deserved century, was one of the match’s most heartbreaking moments.
Conway’s 9 boundaries and 1 six showcased his ability to find gaps and rotate strike consistently. His 159-minute stay at the crease demonstrated remarkable concentration and temperament.
The partnership between Conway and Williamson was the absolute foundation of New Zealand’s successful chase.
Their 187-run stand for the second wicket virtually decided the match, as they batted with such control and confidence that South Africa’s bowlers struggled to create pressure.
Will Young provided a solid start with 19 runs, though his dismissal brought some early tension. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham fell in quick succession, creating a mini-collapse that briefly threatened New Zealand’s victory march.
However, Glenn Phillips arrived at the perfect moment, contributing a crucial unbeaten 28 to help Williamson finish the job.
Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Dots | 4s | 6s | Wides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lungi Ngidi | 7 | 0 | 54 | 0 | 7.71 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| Eathan Bosch | 7 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 4.71 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 6 | 1 | 32 | 0 | 5.33 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Junior Dala | 8 | 0 | 47 | 1 | 5.87 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 8.4 | 1 | 50 | 2 | 5.76 | 24 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | 9 | 0 | 62 | 0 | 6.88 | 20 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Mihlali Mpongwana | 3 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 8.33 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Senuran Muthusamy emerged as South Africa’s most effective bowler during the chase, claiming 2 vital wickets for 50 runs.
His double-strike that removed Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham in consecutive deliveries created genuine belief that South Africa could stage an unlikely comeback. His bowling figures of 8.4 overs showed he was trusted to bowl at crucial moments.
Eathan Bosch delivered the most economical bowling performance for South Africa with 1 wicket for 33 runs at an economy rate of 4.71.
His tight bowling created pressure, and his dismissal of Will Young provided the early breakthrough South Africa desperately needed.
Junior Dala played a crucial role by breaking the dangerous Conway-Williamson partnership, dismissing Devon Conway for 97 runs.
This wicket gave South Africa their best chance of restricting New Zealand, though ultimately it came too late to change the match’s outcome.
Players Of New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Players
| Team | Player Name | Primary Role | Match Performance | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Temba Bavuma (C) | Captain/Batsman | 20 runs | Leadership and Strategy |
| Matthew Breetzke | Opening Batsman | 150 runs (Debut) | Match-defining Century | |
| Jason Smith | All-rounder | 41 runs | Crucial Middle-order Support | |
| Kyle Verreynne (†) | Wicket Keeper | 1 run | Glovework Excellence | |
| Wiaan Mulder | All-rounder | 64 runs | Key Partnership Builder | |
| Mihlali Mpongwana | Batsman | 1* run | Young Talent Showcase | |
| Senuran Muthusamy | Spin All-rounder | 2 wickets | Best Bowling Figures | |
| Eathan Bosch | Fast Bowler | 7* runs, 1 wicket | Economical Bowling | |
| Junior Dala | Fast Bowler | 1 crucial wicket | Partnership Breaker | |
| Lungi Ngidi | Strike Bowler | 0 wickets | Opening Bowling Duties | |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | Left-arm Spinner | 0 wickets | Spin Bowling Option | |
| New Zealand | Devon Conway | Opening Batsman | 97 runs | Foundation Partnership |
| Will Young | Opening Batsman | 19 runs | Solid Start Provider | |
| Kane Williamson | Star Batsman | _133 (Match Winner)_* | Masterful Chase Anchor | |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder | 10 runs | Versatile Team Player | |
| Tom Latham (†) | Wicketkeeper | 0 runs | Former Captain Experience | |
| Glenn Phillips | Finisher | _28 runs_* | Victory Securing Partner | |
| Michael Bracewell | Spin All-rounder | 1 wicket | Most Economical Bowler | |
| Mitchell Santner (C) | Captain/Spinner | 0 wickets | Strategic Leadership | |
| Matt Henry | Strike Bowler | 2 wickets | Key Breakthrough Provider | |
| Ben Sears | Fast Bowler | 0 wickets | Pace Bowling Support | |
| Will O’Rourke | Fast Bowler | 2 wickets | Partnership Destroyer |
The squad compositions revealed both teams’ strategic thinking and depth. South Africa built their team around Matthew Breetzke’s debut, providing him with experienced support from Temba Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder.
Their bowling attack combined pace and spin effectively, though they couldn’t quite defend their total.
New Zealand showcased their incredible batting depth, with multiple players capable of match-winning performances.
Their bowling unit demonstrated excellent variety and control, successfully restricting South Africa’s powerful batting lineup to a manageable total.
Highlights Of South Africa National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
This unforgettable encounter produced numerous spectacular moments that will be replayed and discussed for years to come:
- Matthew Breetzke’s Fairy-Tale Debut Century: The most magical moment belonged to Matthew Breetzke, whose 150-run debut will forever be remembered as one of cricket’s greatest first impressions. His innings combined technical excellence with fearless aggression, showing remarkable maturity for someone playing his first international match. Every one of his 11 boundaries and 5 sixes was perfectly executed, demonstrating why selectors had such faith in his ability.
- Kane Williamson’s Masterclass Performance: Kane Williamson reminded the cricket world why he’s considered among the greatest batsmen of his generation. His unbeaten 133 was a clinic in chase batting, perfectly pacing his innings to match the required run rate. His 13 boundaries included some of the most elegant shots seen in recent cricket, each stroke played with perfect timing and placement.
- The Partnership That Decided The Match: The 187-run partnership between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson was absolute poetry in motion. For over two hours, they batted with such control and confidence that South Africa’s bowlers were left searching for answers. Their understanding and communication were perfect, rotating strike effortlessly while punishing loose deliveries.
- Conway’s Heartbreaking Near-Miss Devon: Conway’s dismissal for 97 runs provided one of the match’s most emotional moments. After batting brilliantly for 159 minutes, falling just 3 runs short of a well-deserved century was cruel luck. His contribution, however, remained absolutely crucial to New Zealand’s victory.
- Muthusamy’s Double-Strike Drama: When Senuran Muthusamy dismissed Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham in consecutive deliveries, Gaddafi Stadium erupted with excitement. For a brief moment, South Africa believed they could engineer an impossible comeback, creating genuine tension in what had seemed like a routine chase.
- The Calm Finishing Touch: Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips demonstrated perfect composure during the final partnership, adding 57 unbeaten runs to secure victory with 8 balls remaining. Their calm under pressure showed championship mentality, never allowing South Africa back into the contest.
- Outstanding Individual Bowling Performances: Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke both claimed 2 wickets each, showcasing New Zealand’s bowling depth. Michael Bracewell’s economy rate of 4.30 demonstrated excellent control, while Senuran Muthusamy’s 2 wickets kept South Africa’s hopes alive until the very end.
FAQs:
- Q: What made Matthew Breetzke’s performance so special?
A: Scoring 150 runs on international debut is extremely rare in cricket. His fearless approach and technical excellence against quality bowling made this innings truly memorable.
- Q: How crucial was the toss in determining the match outcome?
A: Very crucial. New Zealand’s decision to bowl first allowed them to chase on a pitch that became easier for batting as the day progressed.
- Q: What was the key turning point in New Zealand’s chase?
A: The 187-run partnership between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson essentially decided the match, taking the game away from South Africa completely.
- Q: Why did South Africa struggle to defend their total?
A: Despite posting a competitive score, their bowlers couldn’t create enough pressure against New Zealand’s experienced batting lineup, particularly during the crucial middle overs.
- Q: How close was the match despite the 6-wicket margin?
A: The match was closer than the margin suggests. Senuran Muthusamy’s double-strike briefly created genuine tension before Williamson and Phillips sealed victory.
- Q: What does this result mean for the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series?
A: This victory gives New Zealand crucial momentum in the tournament, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling departments.
- Q: Which bowlers impressed most from both teams?
A: Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke excelled for New Zealand with 2 wickets each, while Senuran Muthusamy was South Africa’s standout performer with 2 wickets.
Conclusion:
The New Zealand national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard perfectly encapsulates one of the most thrilling cricket encounters in recent memory.
This match had everything cricket fans could desire: debut heroics, masterful centuries, dramatic partnerships, and nail-biting moments that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the final ball.
New Zealand’s comprehensive victory was built on exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance.
Their bowlers did enough to restrict South Africa to a chaseable total, while their batsmen showed the calm composure and skill required to complete a challenging run chase.
Kane Williamson’s match-winning century reminded everyone why he remains one of cricket’s most reliable performers under pressure.
South Africa can take immense pride from this performance, particularly Matthew Breetzke’s fairy-tale debut. His magnificent 150 runs announced the arrival of a special talent who could serve South African cricket for many years to come.
Wiaan Mulder’s aggressive 64 and Senuran Muthusamy’s bowling heroics showed the team’s fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude.
This match perfectly demonstrated cricket’s unpredictable nature and infinite capacity for drama.
Even when New Zealand appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable victory, South Africa’s quick wickets in the middle overs created genuine excitement and uncertainty.
The fact that such a thrilling contest could emerge from what seemed like a routine chase speaks to both teams’ competitive spirit and skill levels.
For cricket enthusiasts worldwide, this NZ national cricket team vs SA national cricket team match scorecard will be remembered as a perfect advertisement for everything that makes international cricket special.
It showcased individual brilliance, team strategy, dramatic momentum shifts, and the pure excitement that keeps millions of fans passionate about this beautiful game.
The Pakistan Tri-Nation Series gained a truly memorable chapter from this outstanding encounter.
