A blockbuster Group D encounter awaits as New Zealand and South Africa face off in Match 24 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Taking place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, this marquee fixture will be held at the world's largest cricket arena, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both sides are vying for a top spot in Group D to ensure a smooth path into the Super Eight. You can catch every bit of the action live on [[/channel/willow-sports-live-cricket-tv/:Willow by Cricbuzz]]. Head-to-Head: The Battle of Equals While South Africa has historically dominated the overall T20I count, the rivalry has been remarkably tight in recent major competitions. Feb 14, 2026: Their first T20I meeting of the 2026 calendar. July 26, 2025 (Tri-Series Final): New Zealand won by 3 runs (A last-over thriller in Harare). July 22, 2025: New Zealand won by 7 wickets. July 16, 2025: New Zealand won by 21 runs. Oct 2022 (T20 WC): South Africa won by 9 wickets. Team Form & Recent Results New Zealand (W-W-L-W-L) The Black Caps are in clinical form, having perfectly timed their peak for this tournament. Fresh off a successful chase against Afghanistan and a victory over the UAE, their balance between explosive batting and tactical spin is their greatest strength. Match 4: Defeated Afghanistan by 5 wickets (Feb 8). Match 11: Defeated UAE by 7 wickets (Feb 10). Series: Lost to India 4-1 (Jan 2026). South Africa (W-W-L-L-W) The Proteas have been a dominant force in the group stages, showing no mercy to lower-ranked sides. Their pace battery remains one of the most feared in the competition, though they are still searching for consistency against top-tier spin. Match 9: Defeated Canada by 8 wickets (Feb 9). Match 13: Defeated Afghanistan (Feb 11). Warm-up: Lost to India by 30 runs. Players in Focus [[/fighter/mitchell-santner/40386/:Mitchell Santner]] (New Zealand): The skipper and spin-anchor. His ability to stifle runs in the middle overs will be the ultimate test for South Africa's aggressive hitters on the large Ahmedabad outfield. [[/fighter/quinton-de-kock-quinny/40382/:Quinton de Kock]] (South Africa): The veteran opener. His IPL experience at this very venue makes him the Proteas' primary tactical weapon to combat the new ball. Tim Seifert (New Zealand): Currently the tournament's most consistent run-getter for the Kiwis. His ability to manipulate the field during the powerplay is vital for a fast start. Lungi Ngidi (South Africa): Fresh off a "Player of the Match" performance against Canada, his height and bounce will be a significant challenge for the New Zealand top order.