South Africa vs New Zealand 2nd Test Prediction

If NZ Bat First

Predicted Score: 300-350

Ross Taylor came from Zimbabwe unbeaten in both the test matches and he remained not-out in the last match as well, though he could score just two runs before rain intervened. He is in top form and has a good chance of top-scoring for New Zealand in the second test. Tom Latham and skipper Kane Williamson, who also did great in Zimbabwe, will need to bat well here as Guptill averages only 30.23 in tests. New Zealand are going to rely on these three top-order batsmen for reaching the predicted score.

South Africa have a formidable pace attack. Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada will be the major obstacles for the visitors. Though Steyn dropped his pace, he still managed to take the two Kiwi wickets that fell. He has taken 48 wickets at this ground, which is the most by any South African bowler after Ntini. Rabada, however, should be backed for the most wickets here as he ran through the English batting line-up in January this year to finish with a 13-wicket haul in the match. The conditions at Centurion could also offer some good turn for the off-spinner Dane Piedt. New Zealand will be in danger of being bowled out for under 300 if Rabada and Steyn are at their best.

SA vs NZ Head-to-Head in Tests

New Zealand have never won a test series against South Africa, be it at home or on the latter's turf. In their last four tours to South Africa, the visitors have always lost the series by a 2-0 margin. The Proteas also have wins in both the test matches they have played against the Kiwis at the SuperSport Park.

Our Prediction

SuperSport Park has witnessed 11 results and only 1 draw in its last 12 test matches. Also, with both the teams capable of getting 20 wickets in a test match and with no real weather concerns, a draw seems to be the least likely result for this second test.

South Africa have a superb record at this venue with a win percentage of 76.19. They have played 21 tests here since 1995 and have won 16 of them. They have drawn 3 and have lost only to England and Australia. The hosts have also won 10 of their previous 11 tests here that have yielded a result.

Though New Zealand have risen as a test team and will benefit from the absence of de Villiers and Morne Morkel, South Africa's remarkable record at Centurion cannot be sidelined. We, therefore, predict the hosts to win this final test and secure yet another series victory over the visitors.