Both teams have appeared solid throughout the tournament. Who do you believe will emerge victorious in this contest? Senior journalist Ayaz Memon offers his expert analysis
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00:00 Hi, I'm Ayaz Memon with the World Cup update. New Zealand versus South Africa.
00:05 This is a very important match for New Zealand.
00:08 They started off in fantastic fashion in this World Cup, winning four matches on the trot.
00:13 And then they were stalled a bit. They've lost the last two matches, first against Australia, then against India.
00:19 And it's left them a little exposed, a little vulnerable for a place in the semifinals.
00:25 India are already through. South Africa, who they meet in this match, are two points ahead.
00:30 A resurgent Australia has grown levels with them, so they are eight points each.
00:35 Afghanistan, giant killers, catching up very quickly. They are still a couple of points behind.
00:43 But, you know, it just means that New Zealand has to start, you know, get going.
00:49 New Zealand must get going again, where the points are concerned.
00:53 So, they've got three matches remaining. This is perhaps, you know, the most significant match.
00:59 Because it will break that lull, which they are experiencing now after a fantastic beginning.
01:05 And it will get them to ten points, where they'll be far more secure.
01:09 I think that ten points should be able to get teams into the semifinals, now that India already have twelve points.
01:14 But there's a lot of drama happening in the other matches, so you can't assume things.
01:21 You have to still go and make a play for it.
01:22 When New Zealand are concerned, I think the last match actually was, you know, the match against Australia was fantastic.
01:30 Because the way they made a frenetic bid to chase down 388.
01:35 Not an easy target against the Australian bowling, but they made a really good bid.
01:38 But they look back and say that when they were bowling, they conceded too many runs in the start of the innings.
01:43 The power play, it was about 25 overs. So, that's a matter of concern.
01:48 Against India, they look to be poised for a 300+ score, but finished with 273.
01:53 Not enough against India.
01:55 So, these are some areas of concern. Otherwise, a very good team.
01:58 Watch out for somebody like Rachid Ravindra. He's a superstar in the making.
02:02 There's also Darryl Mitchell in the form of his life.
02:05 And then Mitch Santner, who I think could be a very crucial player.
02:09 Where the South Africans are concerned, watch out for Tabrez Shamsi.
02:13 Chinaman left-arm spinner. Who bowls Chinaman left-arm spinner much like Kuldeep Yadav.
02:18 He's been in very good form.
02:21 And he and Keshav Maharaj make a good combination of spinners to go with guys like Kagi Zorabada, NGD, Koetzi.
02:30 This is a powerful South African bowling attack.
02:33 And what can one say about the batting from Quinton DeKovt to Aydin Markram to
02:38 Anwar Dasan, Klaas Sen, even Babu Ma, David Miller.
02:42 This is a powerful South African team.
02:45 If New Zealand beat this side and win the two points,
02:48 then I think they will again become a very potent threat where this tournament is concerned.
02:54 [MUSIC PLAYING]