New Zealand vs South Africa, 1st Test 2024: Match preview, playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV & Live Streaming Details

New Zealand will host South Africa in a two-game Test series, with the first match to be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from Sunday, February 4 and the second match will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The Kiwis are coming off a five-match T20I series 4-1 win over Pakistan in January.

New Zealand last played a Test series when they toured Bangladesh, where they played two Tests. New Zealand fell short in the first game, allowing Bangladesh to register their first win against the Kiwis at home. However, they staged a stunning comeback and levelled the series 1-1.

South Africa, on the other hand, are coming on the back of a Test series versus India, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The Proteas showcased their prowess and thrashed India by an innings and 32 runs in the first game. Meanwhile, India won the second game despite failing to register a series win in the rainbow nation.

In an unexpected turn of events, South Africa included only two players in the 14-man squad for the New Zealand series who faced the Rohit Sharma-led side in the opening Test. Notably, the underlying factor is that all other players are involved in the ongoing SA20 League tournament.

Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui Pitch Report

The Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui has a grassy outfield. The stadium is considered one of the most batting-friendly wickets. The pitch is anticipated to be neutral for both teams. Seam bowlers will get good assistance as they get the pace and bounce. In a total of four Test matches played at this venue, two matches were won by the team batting first, and two were won by the team fielding first.

NZ vs SA Playing XI, South Africa Tour of New Zealand:

New Zeland (NZ) XI:

New Zealand have announced a strong lineup for the series against South Africa. They have included former captain and top-ranked Test batter Kane Williamson. The star batter is expected to be key for his side after recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up during their recent T20I series versus Pakistan. Meanwhile, they might have concerns about wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell and star speedster Kyle Jamieson's batting. Veteran fast bowler Tim Southee will lead the side while Will O'Rourke is likely to make his Test debut in the second game. 

Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (c), Kyle Jamieson

South Africa (SA) XI:

Neil Brand will captain South Africa in the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand. The Proteas will also get the services of David Bedingham, Keegan Petersen, and Zubayr Hamza. Khaya Zondo has also been included in the squad along with pace duo Duanne Olivier and Dane Paterson, as well as spin bowler Dane Piedt.

Neil Brand (c), Edward Moore, Raynard van Tonder, Zubayr Hamza, Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Clyde Fortuin, Mihlali Mpongwana, Dane Piedt, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson

NZ vs SA Test Head-to-Head Records: