South Africa and New Zealand are set to battle against each other in a two-match Test series. NZ vs SA 1st Test 2024 starts on Sunday, February 4. The venue of the NZ vs SA opening encounter is Bay Oval Stadium in Mount Maunganui.
Led by Neil Brand, South Africa boasts of a young squad in the NZ vs SA Test series. Senior members are absent from the series. Uncapped players like Neil Brand, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Zubayr Hamza, Edward Moore, and Raynard van Tonder among others have been picked in New Zealand vs South Africa series.
They have a tough challenge against an experienced New Zealand squad in the series, who are led by senior pacer Tim Southee. Kiwi’s all key members are part of the Test series against South Africa including former skippers like Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.
New Zealand are known for their dominance at home. However, against Proteas, they have a poor record at home. Out of 22 Tests at home, the Kiwis have won only 2 and lost 9 against South Africa. Even in the overall tally, New Zealand has won only 5 games and lost 26 out of 47 against the visitors.
Hence, while the experience and strength lie in New Zealand’s count, the stats favor South Africa. Below we take a look at how the weather and pitch might affect the NZ vs SA 1st Test at Bay Oval Stadium in Mount Maunganui.
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NZ vs SA Weather Report Live Today And Pitch Report Of Bay Oval Stadium in Mount Maunganui- 1st Test, 2024
NZ vs SA 1st Test 2024 begins on Sunday, February 4. Bay Oval Stadium in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand is the venue of the clash. The match starts at 3:30 AM IST.
NZ vs SA Weather Report, according to weather.com, reveals that the temperature of Mount Maunganu City on Sunday, February 4 will be 24° Celcius during the day and 13° Celcius at night. The sky will be clear during the day and night.
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According to the NZ vs SA Weather Report, rain chances are just 3% during the day and 6% at night. Hence, Day 1 of the New Zealand vs South Africa 1st Test won’t be affected by rain. The humidity will be 53% during the day and rise to 71% at night. The upcoming days of the Test will be sunny and won’t be affected by rain as well.
The NZ vs SA Pitch Report suggests that Bay Oval Stadium is a high-scoring ground in Tests. The average 1st and 2nd innings totals at the stadium are 359 and 404. The average 2nd innings totals are 230 and 146. The highest-ever team total at the stadium reads 615/9, posted by New Zealand against England in 2019.
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The stadium has hosted 4 Test games so far and teams batting first and bowling first won 2 games each. New Zealand pitches usually support batters due to their short boundaries. Due to winds, seamers and spinners enjoy equal benefits.
