New Zealand playing XI - (Source: AFP)
On Saturday, February 14, New Zealand will lock horns against South Africa for match 24 of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams are fresh off a win and have maintained a 100% win record so far in the tournament.
New Zealand have two wins in two games, while South Africa also survived a massive scare against Afghanistan where they won the match after second super over. Notably, the winner of the match will keep a foot in the super 8 stage.
New Zealand vs South Africa Preview
For New Zealand, they have dealt a massive blow as their star all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been officially ruled out of the tournament because of his calf injury. The blackcaps have also named a replacement for Michael Bracewell. Notably, Cole McConchie will travel to India as a travelling reserve alongside Ben Sears. Notably, Cole is an off-spinner, but it has been two-years since he last played for the Kiwis.
However, so far, New Zealand have not missed Bracewell in the playing XI. Meanwhile, this article will shed light on New Zealand's playing XI for their upcoming match against the Proteas.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Afghanistan- Match 24
Openers and Top Order (Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra)
For New Zealand, their top-order has been in stupendous form. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen are among the runs and recently scripted history against UAE. Notably, Seifert is the leading run-getter with 154 runs in 2 innings.
During New Zealand vs UAE match, Finn Allen and Seifert stitched an unbeaten 175-run stand, which is the highest for any wicket in T20 World Cup history.
Rachin Ravindra, on the other hand is struggling because he scored a golden duck in the first match against Afghanistan and didn't get to bat in the UAE match.
Middle Order and All Rounders (Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham)
New Zealand's middle-order batters have not been tested yet in the tournament. In the first match against Afghanistan, Glenn Phillips rose to the occasion, where he played a valuable knock of 42 (25) to help the Kiwis.
Mark Chapman was also put to bat against Afghanistan, where he scored valuable 28 off 17 balls. Same goes for Daryl Mitchell, who is yet to put into Test.
Bowlers (Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy)
New Zealand bowlers have struggled so far in the tournament. None of their bowlers makes it to the top 5 of bowling charts for the current edition.
Duffy, who was New Zealand's leading wicket-taker in 2025, has just two wickets in two matches. Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson has 3 wickets in two games. The biggest surprise is that Mitchell Santner has just picked up a solitary wicket in two matches.
Therefore, New Zealand is unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI.
New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa- Match 24, T20 World Cup 2026
Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
