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New Zealand squad announced [Source: @BLACKCAPS/x]
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named an 18-player New Zealand squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa at home. The series marks the first international assignment for both sides following the conclusion of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India earlier this week.
It is worth noting that the selection committee picked eight players from New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad, including captain and senior all-rounder Mitchell Santner. The committee also named three potential debutants in a bid to manage the workload of the senior players.
Notably, several World Cup heroes like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have been rested from national duties to “freshen up” after a hectic India tour.
NZC picks perfect blend of youth and experience for South Africa T20Is
On Tuesday, March 10, the NZC named an 18-player New Zealand squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. Captain Mitchell Santner and seven of his T20 World Cup 2026 batchmates were included in the line-up for the series, which gets underway this Sunday on March 15 at the Bay Oval.
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Among the T20 World Cup 2026 players, top-order batter Devon Conway and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will be joining Santner in the squad for the first three T20Is. However, Ferguson will be expected to miss the series opener.
Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi will be available for the entire series owing to their lighter workloads at the showpiece event in India and Sri Lanka.
Top-order batters Katene Clarke and Nick Kelly, as well as spin bowler Jayden Lennox are the three potential debutants selected in the team, with Clarke and Lennox being named only for the final two matches. Kelly, who has been a consistent performer for the Wellington Firebirds in recent seasons, will be available for the entire series.
Mumbai Indians star among four players make their return
South Africa-born New Zealand batter Bevon Jacobs will be making his return to the national squad after missing the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Mumbai Indians opener last played international cricket for the ‘Black Caps’ during the five-match T20I series in India back in January.
Fast bowler Josh Clarkson will be making his return after nearly two-and-a-half years, as the speedster played the last of his eight T20Is back in November 2024. Zak Foulkes and Tim Robinson are also making their respective returns to the team through the upcoming South Africa series. Here is a look at New Zealand’s entire 18-player squad for the T20Is against the visiting Proteas.
New Zealand squad for T20I series vs South Africa:
Mitchell Santner (c) (matches 1 to 3), Katene Clarke (matches 4 and 5), Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (matches 4 and 5), Devon Conway (matches 1 to 3), Lockie Ferguson (matches 2 and 3), Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (matches 4 and 5), Jayden Lennox (matches 4 and 5), Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith and Ish Sodhi.
Seifert, Finn Allen among T20 World Cup heroes rested
New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will miss the series to take a rest and freshen up after the team’s hectic tour of India. The two cricketers were rested alongside six other T20 World Cup 2026 players in the form of Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry. Henry will be spending time with his family back home to be with his newborn baby.
NZ, SA to resume rivalry after record semifinal, series to run as double-headers
New Zealand and South Africa teams recently crossed paths in the semifinal of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this month in Kolkata. Chasing 170 for a place in the final, Finn Allen blasted an unbeaten century from just 33 balls to make lightwork of South Africa’s 169-run total.
Incidentally, the upcoming five-match T20I series between the two men’s sides will be played as double-headers alongside New Zealand and South Africa Women’s teams.
