Fresh off the heels of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cupwhere both teams experienced the highs and heartbreaks of knockout cricket, New Zealand and South Africa resume their rivalry in a five-match T20I series. This opening clash at the picturesque Bay Oval marks the start of a new World Cup cycle, with both sides blooding fresh talent alongside seasoned campaigners.
The backdrop to this series is inescapable. New Zealand reached the World Cup final only to fall to India, while South Africa’s dominant unbeaten run was halted by the Black Caps themselves in a clinical semi-final performance.
New Zealand will be looking to move past their final defeat, the Black Caps have rested stalwarts like Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell Santner leads a squad that blends World Cup experience with domestic standouts like Tim Robinson and Nathan Smith.
The Proteas have opted for a significant overhaul. With senior stars resting, Keshav Maharaj captains a side featuring five uncapped players. They will be hungry for revenge after that semi-final exit just 10 days ago.
South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026: T20I fixtures
- 1st T20I: March 15, 2026, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, 11:45 AM IST / 06:15 AM GMT / 07:15 PM Local
- 2nd T20I: March 17, 2026, Seddon Park, Hamilton, 11:45 AM IST / 06:15 AM GMT / 07:15 PM Local
- 3rd T20I: March 20, 2026, Eden Park, Auckland, 11:45 AM IST / 06:15 AM GMT / 07:15 PM Local
- 4th T20I: March 22, 2026, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 11:45 AM IST / 06:15 AM GMT / 07:15 PM Local
- 5th T20I: March 25, 2026, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 11:45 AM IST / 06:15 AM GMT / 07:15 PM Local
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Squads:
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Jason Smith, Jordan Hermann, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Prenelan Subrayen, Dian Forrester, Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lutho Sipamla, Rubin Hermann, Andile Simelane, Nqobani Mokoena
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Bevon Jacobs, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Ben Sears, Katene D Clarke, Jayden Lennox, Zakary Foulkes
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV app
- New Zealand: Sky Sports, TVNZ+
- South Africa: SuperSport
Also READ: Salman Ali Agha and Mehidy Hasan Miraz react to the run-out controversy after Pakistan’s emphatic win over Bangladesh in 2nd ODI
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