The cricket world witnessed an absolutely sensational encounter when the New Zealand national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard emerged from their thrilling Pakistan Tri-Nation Series clash.
This epic battle, staged on February 10, 2025, at Lahore’s legendary Gaddafi Stadium, delivered everything cricket fans dream of witnessing.
The NZ national cricket team vs SA national cricket team match scorecard shows New Zealand’s dominant 6-wicket victory, marking another chapter in these teams’ rich rivalry history.
This wasn’t just another cricket match – it was a masterpiece of sporting entertainment that featured record-breaking performances, strategic brilliance, and heart-stopping moments.
The New Zealand national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard tells an incredible story of Matthew Breetzke’s historic debut, Kane Williamson’s batting genius, and tactical warfare between two world-class teams.
What made this contest truly special was how it perfectly balanced individual excellence with team strategy, creating a spectacle that educated newcomers while thrilling seasoned cricket enthusiasts.
The New Zealand national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard reveals layers of complexity that showcase why cricket remains the world’s second-most popular sport.
From lightning-fast fielding displays to pressure-cooker bowling spells, every moment contributed to an unforgettable sporting narrative.
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
This complete analysis breaks down every aspect of this remarkable encounter, using simple language that makes cricket’s beautiful complexities accessible to everyone, whether you’re a passionate fan or someone discovering the sport’s magic for the first time.
Overview Of South Africa National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match
This spectacular cricket showcase formed the centerpiece of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, a tournament designed to bring together cricket’s elite nations in Pakistan’s cricket-loving heartland. The match atmosphere at Gaddafi Stadium was electric, with passionate fans creating an unforgettable backdrop for international cricket at its finest.
Complete Match Summary:
- Date & Time: February 10, 2025 – 10:00 AM Local Time
- Tournament: Pakistan Tri-Nation Series 2025
- Venue Details: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
- Toss Result: New Zealand won and chose to field first
- Weather Conditions: Perfect sunny day, ideal for cricket
- Match Result: New Zealand won by 6 wickets with 8 balls remaining
- Player of the Match: Kane Williamson (133* runs)
- Highest Score: Matthew Breetzke (150 runs on debut)
- Best Bowling: Senuran Muthusamy (2/50 in 8.4 overs)
- Match Officials: Rashid Riaz, Richard Illingworth (Umpires)
- Third Umpire: Michael Gough
- Match Referee: David Boon
The strategic toss decision by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner proved crucial. Choosing to bowl first on a Gaddafi Stadium pitch known for improving throughout the day was a masterclass in tactical thinking. The surface traditionally becomes more batsman-friendly under lights, making the second innings significantly easier for scoring runs.
Gaddafi Stadium’s unique characteristics played a major role in this encounter. The 42,000-capacity venue has hosted countless memorable matches since 1959, and its pitch typically offers early assistance to bowlers before settling into a batting paradise. The outfield was lightning-fast, ensuring every well-timed shot reached the boundary rope, contributing to the match’s high-scoring nature.
The crowd’s passionate support created an incredible atmosphere that energized both teams. Pakistani cricket fans are renowned worldwide for their enthusiastic appreciation of quality cricket, regardless of which teams are playing. Their cheers for boundaries, gasps for near-misses, and applause for excellent fielding added an extra dimension to this already spectacular contest.
SA Vs NZ Match Scorecard In 1st Inning
South Africa’s batting performance was built around individual brilliance and strategic partnerships that put significant pressure on New Zealand’s bowling attack. Their approach combined aggressive stroke-play with calculated risk-taking, setting up a challenging target for the Kiwi batsmen.
Batting
| Player Name | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Time Played | Boundaries | Sixes | Strike Rate | Mode of Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke | 150 | 148 | 184 min | 11 | 5 | 101.35 | c Bracewell b Henry |
| Temba Bavuma (C) | 20 | 23 | 33 min | 3 | 0 | 86.95 | c Latham b O’Rourke |
| Jason Smith | 41 | 51 | 69 min | 1 | 2 | 80.39 | run out (Santner/Latham) |
| Kyle Verreynne (†) | 1 | 4 | 4 min | 0 | 0 | 25.00 | bowled Bracewell |
| Wiaan Mulder | 64 | 60 | 91 min | 5 | 1 | 106.66 | c Mitchell b O’Rourke |
| Eathan Bosch | 7* | 9 | 23 min | 0 | 0 | 77.77 | not out |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 2 | 3 | 3 min | 0 | 0 | 66.66 | c Bracewell b Henry |
| Mihlali Mpongwana | 1* | 2 | 1 min | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | not out |
Matthew Breetzke’s debut century was nothing short of cricketing perfection. His 150-run masterpiece showcased every aspect of modern batting – elegant timing, powerful hitting, and tactical awareness. The young opener faced 148 deliveries across 184 minutes, demonstrating remarkable concentration and mental strength for someone making their international debut. His 11 boundaries included several textbook cover drives and perfectly-timed flicks, while his 5 sixes displayed his ability to clear the ropes with authority.
Wiaan Mulder’s explosive contribution of 64 runs provided the perfect complement to Breetzke’s more measured approach. His strike rate of 106.66 kept the scoreboard moving at a healthy pace, ensuring South Africa maintained constant pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers. Mulder’s innings featured 5 boundaries and 1 six, each shot played with confidence and precision.
The middle-order contributions were mixed, with Jason Smith’s 41 runs providing valuable support through his aggressive approach. His 2 sixes showed his power-hitting capabilities, though his run-out at a crucial moment prevented a potentially match-defining partnership. Captain Temba Bavuma’s 20 runs offered stability at the top, though his dismissal created early pressure that Breetzke absorbed brilliantly.
Bowling
| Bowler Name | Overs | Maiden Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Economy Rate | Dot Balls | 4s Hit | 6s Hit | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry | 10 | 0 | 59 | 2 | 5.90 | 33 | 5 | 2 | 1 wide |
| Will O’Rourke | 10 | 0 | 72 | 2 | 7.20 | 30 | 8 | 1 | 10 wides |
| Ben Sears | 10 | 0 | 65 | 0 | 6.50 | 29 | 5 | 2 | 2 wides |
| Mitchell Santner | 10 | 0 | 62 | 0 | 6.20 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 0 extras |
| Michael Bracewell | 10 | 0 | 43 | 1 | 4.30 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 2 wides |
Matt Henry’s bowling excellence anchored New Zealand’s attack with clinical precision and strategic thinking. His 2 wickets for 59 runs included the massive scalp of Matthew Breetzke, ending the South African’s brilliant innings at a crucial moment. Henry’s 33 dot balls in his 10-over spell demonstrated exceptional control under pressure, building consistent tension that eventually led to wickets.
Will O’Rourke emerged as New Zealand’s strike weapon, claiming 2 vital wickets, including captain Temba Bavuma and the dangerous Wiaan Mulder. Though his economy rate of 7.20 was the highest among the main bowlers, his wicket-taking ability at crucial moments proved invaluable for team balance. His 10 wides showed some inconsistency, but his breakthrough deliveries more than compensated.
Michael Bracewell delivered the tournament’s most economical bowling, conceding just 43 runs in his 10 overs at an economy rate of 4.30. His tight line and length created immense pressure, forcing batsmen into risky shots that led to wickets at the other end.
SA Vs NZ Match Scorecard In 2nd Inning
New Zealand’s run chase was a masterclass in strategic batting, combining patient accumulation with explosive scoring bursts when opportunities arose. Their approach showed why they’re considered one of cricket’s most tactically astute teams.
Batting
| Player Name | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Time Played | Boundaries | Sixes | Strike Rate | Mode of Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Young | 19 | 31 | 46 min | 2 | 0 | 61.29 | c Mpongwana b Bosch |
| Devon Conway | 97 | 107 | 159 min | 9 | 1 | 90.65 | c Muthusamy b Dala |
| Kane Williamson | 133* | 113 | 166 min | 13 | 2 | 117.69 | not out |
| Daryl Mitchell | 10 | 10 | 12 min | 0 | 1 | 100.00 | c Mulder b Muthusamy |
| Tom Latham (†) | 0 | 1 | 2 min | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | lbw b Muthusamy |
| Glenn Phillips | 28* | 32 | 35 min | 1 | 1 | 87.50 | not out |
Kane Williamson’s batting masterpiece was pure cricketing artistry that reminded everyone why he’s considered among the greatest modern batsmen. His unbeaten 133 runs came off 113 balls during 166 minutes of absolute batting perfection. With a strike rate of 117.69, he perfectly balanced aggression with calculated risk assessment. His 13 boundaries included some of the most elegant shots seen in recent international cricket, each stroke timed to perfection.
Devon Conway’s magnificent 97 provided the perfect foundation partnership alongside Williamson. His dismissal just 3 runs short of a well-deserved century was heartbreaking, but his 159-minute contribution was absolutely crucial to New Zealand’s victory. Conway’s 9 boundaries and 1 six showcased his ability to find gaps consistently while maintaining an excellent strike rate of 90.65.
The 187-run partnership between Conway and Williamson was the defining moment of the entire match. For over two hours, they batted with such control and confidence that South Africa’s bowlers struggled to create any meaningful pressure. Their communication and understanding were perfect, rotating strike effortlessly while punishing every loose delivery.
Bowling
| Bowler Name | Overs | Maiden Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Economy Rate | Dot Balls | 4s Hit | 6s Hit | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lungi Ngidi | 7 | 0 | 54 | 0 | 7.71 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 1 wide |
| Eathan Bosch | 7 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 4.71 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 2 wides |
| Wiaan Mulder | 6 | 1 | 32 | 0 | 5.33 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 1 wide |
| Junior Dala | 8 | 0 | 47 | 1 | 5.87 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 3 wides |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 8.4 | 1 | 50 | 2 | 5.76 | 24 | 3 | 1 | 1 wide |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | 9 | 0 | 62 | 0 | 6.88 | 20 | 4 | 2 | 2 wides |
| Mihlali Mpongwana | 3 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 8.33 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 extras |
Senuran Muthusamy’s heroic bowling effort made him South Africa’s standout performer with the ball, claiming 2 crucial wickets for 50 runs.
His double-strike removing Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham in consecutive deliveries created genuine excitement and briefly gave South Africa realistic hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Eathan Bosch delivered exceptional control, taking 1 wicket for just 33 runs at an economy rate of 4.71.
His tight bowling created consistent pressure throughout his 7-over spell, forcing New Zealand’s batsmen to work hard for every run.
Players Of New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Players
| Team | Player | Role | Match Impact | Key Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Temba Bavuma (C) | Captain | Strategic Leadership | 20 runs, captaincy |
| Matthew Breetzke | Opener | Historic Debut Century | 150 runs, 11x4s, 5x6s | |
| Jason Smith | All-rounder | Middle-order Support | 41 runs, 2 sixes | |
| Kyle Verreynne (†) | Keeper | Wicket-keeping | 1 run, clean glovework | |
| Wiaan Mulder | All-rounder | Key Partnership | 64 runs, 106.66 SR | |
| Mihlali Mpongwana | Batsman | Future Prospect | 1* run, fielding | |
| Senuran Muthusamy | Spinner | Best Bowling | 2/50, double-strike | |
| Eathan Bosch | Pacer | Economical Bowling | 7* runs, 1/33 | |
| Junior Dala | Pacer | Partnership Breaker | Conway’s wicket | |
| Lungi Ngidi | Strike Bowler | Opening Attack | 0/54 in 7 overs | |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | Spinner | Spin Option | 0/62, containment | |
| New Zealand | Devon Conway | Opener | Foundation Builder | 97 runs, 187-run stand |
| Will Young | Opener | Steady Start | 19 runs, 2 boundaries | |
| Kane Williamson | Star | Match Winner | 133, 13x4s, 2x6s* | |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder | Team Balance | 10 runs, 1 six | |
| Tom Latham (†) | Keeper | Experience | 0 runs, leadership | |
| Glenn Phillips | Finisher | Victory Partner | 28, winning stand* | |
| Michael Bracewell | Spinner | Most Economical | 1/43, 4.30 ER | |
| Mitchell Santner (C) | Captain | Strategic Genius | Winning toss call | |
| Matt Henry | Pacer | Strike Bowler | 2/59, Breetzke wicket | |
| Ben Sears | Pacer | Support Role | 0/65, 10 overs | |
| Will O’Rourke | Pacer | Wicket-taker | 2/72, key strikes |
Highlights Of South Africa National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
This unforgettable encounter produced multiple defining moments that cricket fans will discuss for generations:
- Matthew Breetzke’s Record-Breaking Debut: The most remarkable individual performance belonged to Matthew Breetzke, whose 150-run debut entered cricket’s record books immediately. His innings combined fearless stroke-play with mature game awareness, showing no signs of international debut nerves. Every boundary and six was perfectly executed, demonstrating why South African selectors showed such faith in his abilities.
- Kane Williamson’s Chase Masterclass: Kane Williamson delivered a textbook example of how to construct a match-winning innings under pressure. His unbeaten 133 was strategically perfect, accelerating precisely when needed while never allowing the required run rate to become unmanageable.
- The Match-Defining Partnership: The 187-run partnership between Conway and Williamson was cricket at its absolute finest. Their batting partnership lasted over two hours and completely neutralized South Africa’s bowling attack through superior technique and tactical awareness.
- Muthusamy’s Dramatic Double-Strike: Senuran Muthusamy’s consecutive wickets provided the most exciting moment of New Zealand’s chase, briefly creating genuine uncertainty about the match outcome and giving South African fans hope of an unlikely victory.
- The Calm Victory March: Williamson and Phillips demonstrated championship-level composure during their unbeaten 57-run partnership, securing victory with 8 balls remaining while never showing signs of pressure or panic.
FAQs:
- Q: What made this Pakistan Tri-Nation Series match so special?
A: The combination of Matthew Breetzke’s debut century, Kane Williamson’s masterful chase, and multiple lead changes created an unforgettable cricket spectacle.
- Q: How rare is scoring 150 runs on international debut?
A: Extremely rare – debut centuries happen infrequently, and 150+ runs on debut places Breetzke among cricket’s most exclusive clubs.
- Q: What was the key to New Zealand’s successful chase?
A: The 187-run partnership between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson provided the foundation, while tactical batting ensured they never fell behind the required run rate.
- Q: Which bowlers impressed most in this match?
A: Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke took 2 wickets each for New Zealand, while Senuran Muthusamy’s 2 wickets nearly engineered a South African comeback.
- Q: How did the Gaddafi Stadium pitch behave?
A: The pitch improved significantly for batting during the second innings, justifying New Zealand’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss.
- Q: What does this result mean for both teams?
A: New Zealand gained crucial tournament momentum, while South Africa discovered a potential superstar in Matthew Breetzke.
- Q: Why was the toss so important in this match?
A: Gaddafi Stadium’s characteristics typically favor the team batting second, making New Zealand’s decision to bowl first strategically perfect.
Conclusion:
The New Zealand national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard represents everything magnificent about international cricket at its absolute peak.
This encounter delivered record-breaking performances, strategic masterclasses, and heart-stopping drama that reminded everyone why cricket captivates billions of fans worldwide.
New Zealand’s comprehensive victory showcased their incredible team depth and tactical intelligence.
From their smart toss decision to Kane Williamson’s batting genius, every aspect of their performance demonstrated why they remain among cricket’s elite nations.
Their bowling attack successfully restricted South Africa’s powerful batting, while their chase was executed with clinical precision.
South Africa emerged from this defeat with enormous positives for their future. Matthew Breetzke’s historic debut announced the arrival of a potential superstar who could serve South African cricket for the next decade.
Wiaan Mulder’s explosive batting and Senuran Muthusamy’s bowling heroics showed that their existing talent pool remains incredibly strong.
This NZ national cricket team vs SA national cricket team match scorecard will be remembered as a perfect cricket advertisement that showcased individual brilliance within team frameworks.
The match proved that modern international cricket continues evolving while maintaining the traditional values of skill, strategy, and sporting spirit that have made it the world’s second-most popular sport.
For cricket enthusiasts everywhere, this encounter reinforced why live cricket provides unmatched entertainment value.
The Pakistan Tri-Nation Series gained a truly memorable chapter from this outstanding match that combined debut magic, veteran excellence, and tactical warfare in one unforgettable package.
