The South Africa vs New Zealand T20I rivalry is a captivating clash between two cricketing nations known for their competitive spirit. Both teams await their maiden ICC trophy. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, both teams bring excitement to the T20 arena. The two teams have produced some great players of the shortest format, including AB De Villiers, Kane Williamson, Brendon McCullum, and Hashim Amla. The rivalry often showcases the prowess of dynamic batters, crafty bowlers, and athletic fielding. Fans can anticipate thrilling match-ups, as these teams go head-to-head, creating memorable moments that add to the rich tapestry of T20 cricket. This article will tell the top 10 South African highest run-scorers against New Zealand in the T20Is.
1. AB de Villiers
The man who needs no introduction, AB De Villiers, was an absolute beast in the shortest format. Mr 360 of the sport, De Villiers could smash the bowler in every corner of the ground. The right-handed middle-order batter made his T20I debut against Australia in 2006 and established himself as a regular inclusion in the team. Also, a prominent part of the IPL, he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore for most of his IPL career. De Villiers announced his international retirement in 2018 and scored 270 runs in eleven T20I innings against New Zealand.
2. JP Duminy
Jean-Paul Duminy was a former left-handed middle-order batter for South Africa in all formats. More successful in the white ball formats, Duminy was one of the best performers for the Proteas. Also, a more than handy off-spinner, he used to provide essential breakthroughs to the team. He made his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2007 and continued playing until 2019. He scored 256 runs in six innings against New Zealand in the T20Is.
3. Hashim Amla
Hashim Amla was a former right-handed opening batter for South Africa across all formats. One of the most consistent and prolific Protea batters, Amla, made his T20I debut against England in 2008 and established himself among the best batters in the world quite early in his career. Amla was a classy opener who scored runs quickly. The free-flowing batter was one of the most tough batters to bowl. Amla was also a known figure in the IPL and scored a century in the tournament while representing the Punjab Kings. He has scored 219 runs in just seven innings in the T20Is against New Zealand.
4. Faf du Plessis
Faf Du Plessis is one of the finest openers in the shortest format. The right-handed batter with a unique stance and unorthodox style of play, Du Plessis, has scored a lot of runs for his nation across formats. Considered a T20 specialist, Du Plessis is a prominent part of the T20 leagues worldwide. He is also the skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and has been a big contributor with the bat. He has scored 151 runs in the five T20Is against New Zealand. The former skipper awaits his comeback in the national side in the shortest format.
5. Richard Levi
The former right-handed opening batter for the nation in the shortest format, Richard Levi, made his T20I debut against New Zealand at Wellington in 2012. He was known for his ability to strike the ball hard and accumulate runs quickly. He was a talented batter but could not offer a long career to his nation. His on-and-off presence in the squad made him one of the average performers in South Africa. Levi scored 146 runs in five T20Is against New Zealand.
6. Henry Davids
Henry Davids was a former right-handed top-order batter for South Africa who represented his nation in the white ball formats. He was a flashy bater who hit the ball hard while batting in the top order. His gameplay was more accustomed to the limited overs cricket. Davids made his T20I debut against New Zealand at Durban in 2012. He scored 143 runs in three innings against the Kiwis in the shortest format.
7. Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith was a former skipper and a world-class opening batter for South Africa in all three formats of the game. The leader who defined the finest quality of captaincy, Graeme Smith, was one of the smartest brains in cricket. His left-handed stroke play was one of the best to watch. The beautiful stroke-maker made his T20I debut against New Zealand in 2005 and made himself an essential asset for the team. His consistent performances with the bat made him one of the most prolific batters in the nation. Under his leadership, RSA was also the no.1 test side. Smith scored 117 runs in five T20I innings against New Zealand.
8. Albie Morkel
A right-arm medium-fast bowler and a handy left-handed batter, Albie Morkel, was one of the best assets for South Africa in the T20Is. He also represented the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. He initially played for the CSK and contributed majorly to their success in 2010 and 2011. Morkel made his T20I debut against New Zealand in 2005. He scored 106 runs in seven innings in the T20Is against New Zealand.
9. David Miller
One of the finest hitters of the white ball, David Miller, is a left-handed middle-order batter known for finishing the games for his team. The southpaw made his T20I debut in 2010 against the West Indies. Miller’s consistent performances have always benefitted South Africa in the white ball formats. With experience and runs in his career, the left-handed batter and an absolute gun fielder has been one of the best white ball players for South Africa. He has scored 98 runs in five innings against New Zealand in the T20Is.
10. Justin Kemp
The former bowling all-rounder for South Africa, Justin Kemp, was a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a handy right-handed batter down the order. He made his T20I debut against New Zealand in 2005. He was also picked by the Chennai Super Kings in 2010. He scored 97 runs in just two T20I innings against New Zealand.
