South Africa hold a potential edge in familiarity, having played both matches at this venue — one day game and one day-night fixture.
The Ahmedabad pitch has offered bounce and carry, aiding stroke-play while rewarding seamers who hit the deck hard. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi have adapted quickly, and the batting unit has experienced the surface in varied scenarios.
Dew could become a factor under lights, influencing toss decisions.
New Zealand, while clinical so far, are yet to defend a total under sustained scoreboard pressure in this tournament. In tight group-stage races, marginal gains such as venue familiarity and understanding of second-innings conditions can influence outcomes, particularly when both teams are evenly matched on form.
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