South Africa in New Zealand 2025/26

The series known as **South Africa in New Zealand** constitutes a bilateral cricket tour rather than a domestic league or tournament. It is an arrangement directly negotiated between **Cricket New Zealand** and **Cricket South Africa**, serving as a recurring fixture for the two national teams. Unlike permanent institutional structures with fixed founding dates, this series represents a rotating agreement governed by the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme.

The matches are typically divided into formats, often including Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals. The structure varies based on the specific cycle of play, with One Day Internationals becoming less frequent in recent iterations compared to Twenties and Tests. The series operates independently from New Zealand’s domestic competitions, such as the **Plunket Shield** or the **Super Smash**, which feature provincial franchises rather than international sides.

The competitive history spans several decades, with the first Test series taking place in the early 1960s. The balance of power has shifted over time; while South Africa historically dominated One Day Internationals, New Zealand has secured significant victories in Test cricket in recent years. The most recent Test series concluded with a home win for New Zealand, marking a notable moment in their head-to-head record. These encounters are significant for both nations, contributing to their standing in global rankings and the World Test Championship. The tour is characterized by its bilateral nature, lacking the promotional tiers or geographical constraints of club cricket. It remains a key element of the annual cricket calendar for both countries, providing high-level competition outside of major global events. The arrangement ensures regular fixtures for the **Proteas** and the **Black Caps** in New Zealand conditions.