New Zealand's Predicted XI vs South Africa Cricket World Cup 2023: Will Kane Williamson Return?

The 32nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will see New Zealand square-off against in-form South Africa at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium in Pune on Wednesday, November 1. The fixture is scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM IST. The New Zealand men's cricket team has registered four wins and two losses in six matches. Following four wins on the bounce to begin their campaign, they faced defeats against India and Australia in their last two encounters, halting their winning momentum.

The previous clash saw them go down by a narrow margin of five runs against Australia. Chasing a daunting target of 389 runs, the Kiwis came within touching distance of a superb victory, only to be undone by an all-round bowling performance by the Aussies. The 23-year-old batter Rachin Ravindra top-scored with an 89-ball 116 for the Black Caps.

Even though the two recent results haven't gone their way, the Tom Latham-led side is expected to name an unchanged starting XI on Wednesday.

Openers: Devon Conway, Will Young

Opener Devon Conway is known for providing explosive starts for his side. The southpaw has amassed 277 runs in six games at an average of 55.40 and a strike rate of 104.92. Conway slammed his only century in the Kiwis' first match of the tournament against England, where his unbeaten 152-run knock paved the way for a comfortable nine-wicket win.

Will Young, meanwhile, has fared decently in skipper Kane Williamson's absence, complimenting Conway with his aggressive intent. With 173 runs in five innings including two half-centuries, Young has excelled in his role as an opener.

Middle order: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham

Daryl Mitchell, coming in at number 4, has been handy in adding crucial runs in the middle