New Zealand national cricket team pacer Matt Henry described contests against South Africa national cricket team as “fierce”, saying the long-standing rivalry between the two sides adds extra intensity to their crucial T20 World Cup Group D clash on Saturday.

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Both teams head into the match unbeaten, with the winner likely to top the group.

“You always want to play the best sides. Growing up, whether it was rugby or cricket, New Zealand versus South Africa were always the games you wanted to be part of,” Henry said at the pre-match press conference.

“There’s a natural competitive edge between the two countries and that doesn’t change in a World Cup. It’s a fierce contest and something we love being involved in.”

Henry emphasised that beyond the stakes, it is the quality of opposition that excites the Black Caps.

“South Africa are strong in all departments. They’ve got power with the bat, variety with the ball and a lot of experience. Against a side like that, you have to be sharp in every facet of the game,” he said.

“In World Cups, every match matters. Each win builds confidence and momentum. For us, it’s about focusing on tomorrow and not looking too far ahead.”

Familiar foes, fresh battle

Henry noted that the rise of franchise cricket has added a new layer to the rivalry, with players now more familiar with each other.

“With leagues around the world, you get to know a lot of the players personally. There are cultural similarities between the two countries and we get along well off the field,” he said.

“But once you cross that line, it’s a different story. That’s what makes it special.”

South Africa have played both their matches in Ahmedabad, while New Zealand arrive from Chennai. However, Henry downplayed the significance of venue familiarity.

“It’s nice to know the ground, but it’s a new surface. In T20 cricket, conditions can override pre-set plans. It’s about assessing quickly and adapting better than the opposition,” he explained.

Fine margins in big games

Henry also stressed the importance of composure in high-pressure encounters between evenly matched teams, pointing to South Africa’s dramatic double Super Over win over Afghanistan national cricket team earlier in the tournament.

“We were travelling that day and even had a delayed departure because we couldn’t stop watching. It was an incredible game,” he said.

“That’s been the story of this tournament — matches have been so tight. In games like New Zealand versus South Africa, it often comes down to key moments and who handles them better.”

With dew and the toss potentially influencing the contest, Henry maintained that adaptability remains New Zealand’s biggest strength.

“As Kiwis, we pride ourselves on problem-solving. Whether we bat or bowl first, whether we win the toss or not, the focus is on executing our skills and putting the opposition under pressure,” he added.