Proteas vs New Zealand | Five key battles that will decide T20 World Cup Group D winner

The Proteas and New Zealand are set to go head-to-head at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday with the victorious team guaranteed qualification for the next phase of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Cricket writer Ongama Gcwabe highlights five key match-ups to watch in this high-stakes rivalry.

Lungi Ngidi vs Tim Seifert

In the first powerplay, this will be the battle everyone keeps a close eye on, with both players in exceptional form. Ngidi opened the tournament with sparkling figures of 4/31 and 3/26, picking up back-to-back Player-of-the-Match awards.

Conversely, Seifert has been explosive for the Black Caps at the top of the order, scoring two consecutive half-centuries, including an unbeaten 89 and 65. Ngidi will be up against Seifert's power, but his variation will pose a serious threat to the New Zealand opening batter.

Who will come out on top at Ahmedabad?

Keshav Maharaj vs Mitchell Santner

Two of the world's best finger spinners go toe-to-toe on Saturday. Santner carries the responsibility as captain of the Black Caps, while Maharaj, as a senior Protea, has a similar mantle with the ball.

Maharaj has dictated terms in the middle order, controlling the flow of runs at will with figures of 0/28 and 1/27. Santner has also played his role to perfection, holding one end to allow New Zealand's quicks to rotate, returning figures of 0/23 and 1/23 thus far in the tournament.

Quinton de Kock vs Matt Henry

De Kock is often at his most vulnerable early in the innings while the ball is new and swinging. There is no better bowler in the New Zealand squad to exploit that than seamer Matt Henry. The right-armer can swing it both ways at pace and is not afraid to pitch the ball up — a feat that could trouble De Kock at the top of the order.

Henry has taken three wickets in New Zealand's opening two games at a healthy economy rate. Meanwhile, De Kock has been in fine form since his return to international cricket, scoring one half-century and a 22-ball 25 as he looks to dominate the tournament.

Marco Jansen vs Jimmy Neesham

South Africa's all-rounder Jansen has been in form all season, from the SA20 to the start of the World Cup. The lanky left-arm quick plays a pivotal role as a new-ball bowler and a powerful lower-order batter, returning 2/30 and 1/42 with the ball while smashing a seven-ball 16 in his only innings.

In the Black Caps camp, the experienced Jimmy Neesham, despite a quiet start to the tournament, remains a handful. His change-ups with the ball will be a significant challenge for South Africa's powerful middle order.

Kagiso Rabada vs Rachin Ravindra

Following his no-ball in the 20th over against Afghanistan earlier this week—an extra that almost cost South Africa the match — it is clear that Rabada is searching for his best form. However, one cannot rule out a player of his calibre.

As a first-change bowler, Rabada will most likely go head-to-head with New Zealand's star, Rachin Ravindra. The left-hander has only batted once in the tournament thus far, dismissed for a first-ball duck. Both stars have had relatively quiet starts, with Rabada returning 1/38 and 1/40, but this remains a mouth-watering match-up for Saturday.