South Africa A vs New Zealand A – 2nd Unofficial Test Preview (2025-09-14)

Venue: LC de Villiers Oval, Pretoria
Date: September 14, 2025
Time: 09:00 GMT
Match Format: 2nd Unofficial Test (Four Days)

Match Context

The second unofficial Test of the New Zealand A tour of South Africa is set to take place at the LC de Villiers Oval in Pretoria. After a dominant 185-run victory by New Zealand A in the first Test, the host side will be eager to bounce back and showcase their home advantage in a crucial clash.

With both teams fielding strong squads featuring emerging talent and seasoned performers, this match promises to be a competitive and exciting encounter, especially given the historical rivalry between the two nations.

Current Form and Previous Performance

New Zealand A made a strong statement in the opening Test, posting a massive 607/7 in their first innings with a sensational 249 from Rhys Mariu and 103 from Dale Phillips. South Africa A struggled to match the visitors' intensity, scoring 236 in their first innings and 312 in the second. Despite a gritty 126 from Zubayr Hamza, they were outplayed by a comprehensive margin.

Key Performers:

• New Zealand A:
  • Rhys Mariu – 249 runs
  • Tsepo Ndwandwa – 9 wickets
• South Africa A:
  • Zubayr Hamza – 126 runs
  • Matthew Fisher – 7 wickets

Squads

New Zealand A:

• Bevon Jacobs, Dale Phillips, Joe Carter, Muhammad Abbas, Nick Kelly, Rhys Mariu, Josh Clarkson, Simon Keene, Zakary Foulkes, Curtis Heaphy, Mitchell Hay, Adithya Ashok, Ben Lister, Jayden Lennox, Matthew Fisher

South Africa A:

• Marques Ackerman (Captain), Okuhle Cele, Gerald Coetzee, Schalk Engelbrecht, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Tristan Luus, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lesego Senokwana, Jason Smith, Codi Yusuf

Key Matchups and Tactical Insights

Batting Battle:

• South Africa A will look to Zubayr Hamza and Jason Smith to provide the foundation for a strong total. Hamza’s form from the first Test could be vital in steadying the innings.
• New Zealand A, led by the in-form Dale Phillips and Rhys Mariu, will aim to dominate once again, especially if the pitch offers some assistance in the morning.

Bowling Battle:

• South Africa A’s spin department, particularly Tshepo Moreki and Tsepo Ndwandwa, will need to step up if they are to trouble the New Zealand A batters.
• New Zealand A’s Zakary Foulkes and Matthew Fisher will be key in controlling the middle overs and capitalizing on any mis-hits.

Captaincy:

• Marques Ackerman will need to lead from the front and inspire a resilient performance from his side, especially in the face of New Zealand A’s high standards.
• New Zealand A will rely on their disciplined approach, both with the bat and ball, to maintain their winning momentum.

Match Predictions

• Toss Prediction: South Africa A
• Win Prediction: New Zealand A
• Top Batter (Runs): Jason Smith (South Africa A), Dale Phillips (New Zealand A)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Tshepo Moreki (South Africa A), Zakary Foulkes (New Zealand A)
• Most Sixes: Jason Smith (South Africa A), Mitchell Hay (New Zealand A)
• Player of the Match: Dale Phillips (New Zealand A)
• Team Scores (Batting First): New Zealand A (330+), South Africa A (290+)
• Match Handicap: New Zealand A

Conclusion

With New Zealand A riding high on confidence from their first Test victory, the challenge for South Africa A is clear: they must play with more aggression and consistency to turn the tables. The Pretoria pitch could play a pivotal role, and the team that adapts best to the conditions is likely to come out on top.

This second unofficial Test promises to be a thrilling contest of skill, strategy, and spirit, as both teams vie for supremacy in this emerging cricket rivalry.