New Zealand national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team will meet again in a five-match T20I series starting on Sunday in Mount Maunganui. The two teams faced each other just ten days ago in the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, but both sides will field very different squads this time.
The Men in Blue have not lost a series or tournament since August 2023 and have maintained an impressive record since the start of the previous T20 World Cup, winning seven matches for every defeat.
Only four players who played in that semi-final in Kolkata are part of the squads for the upcoming series, with three of them coming from New Zealand.
Several players who were in the World Cup squads but did not feature in the semi-final are expected to get opportunities in this series. New Zealand could see players like Ish Sodhi and Kyle Jamieson in action, while South Africa may give chances to George Linde and Jason Smith.
The series will mainly provide opportunities for new and emerging players from both countries who are still trying to secure a regular place in their national teams. South Africa will also welcome the return of Tony de Zorzi, who missed the World Cup due to injury.
This series also marks the beginning of both teams’ preparations for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by New Zealand. For several players, it is an early chance to impress selectors ahead of the global tournament.
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New Zealand may look slightly weaker in batting for the first T20I as several regular batters have been rested. Josh Clarkson could bat at number five, while captain Mitchell Santner will lead a side that includes several all-rounders. However, because South Africa has left-handed batters in their top order, Cole McConchie might also be considered for the playing XI.
Probable New Zealand XI:
Devon Conway (wk), Nick Kelly, Tim Robinson, Bevon Jacobs, Josh Clarkson/Cole McConchie, Mitchell Santner (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears/Nathan Smith, Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi.
South Africa will be led by Keshav Maharaj, who is set to captain the team in his 50th T20I appearance. The Hermann brothers — Jordan Hermann and Rubin Hermann — are also expected to play together in the series.
Meanwhile, Jason Smith, who was earlier expected to play as South Africa’s finisher during tours of India and Sri Lanka, is likely to get a good opportunity to perform in that role in this series.
Probable South Africa XI:
Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Jordan Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, Lutho Sipamla.
For New Zealand, young players like Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs will look to impress with strong performances. South African fans will also keep a close eye on Jordan Hermann and promising bowler Nqobani Mokoena, who were the highest uncapped run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively in the latest season of the SA20 tournament.