New Zealand Predicted Playing XI Vs South Africa- 3rd T20I, 2026- Robinson, Jamieson Out?

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI Vs South Africa- 3rd T20I, 2026 (PC-afp.com)

New Zealand levelled the series 1-1 in the last game, and they will look to take a lead in the five-match series against South Africa at the Eden Park in Auckland on March 20 (Friday), especially with some of the players flying out after the third T20Is for their stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Skipper Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, and Devon Conway will not be available after the upcoming T20I versus the Proteas. In the second T20I, Conway's attacking batting and superb spells from Ferguson and Ben Sears helped them level the series with a victory by 68 runs.

Here is how the New Zealand Predicted Playing XI Vs South Africa could lineup for the marquee clash:-

New Zealand probable playing XI Vs South Africa- 3rd T20I

Openers and top order: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Dane Cleaver

The stylish left-hander, Devon Conway, slammed a beautiful 49-run 60 knock, anchoring throughout the innings as the Blackcaps posted 175/6 in the second T20I. As he scored his 13th half-century in the format, he bagged the much-deserved Player of the Match, making him a for sure pick in the New Zealand probable playing XI Vs South Africa.

In the previous game, both Tom Latham and Tim Robinson failed to put any mark, as they did in the first game. The Kiwis will be persistent with Latham, who will be captaining them in the last T20Is, with Mitchell Santner. However, the team management might place Robinson with Dane Cleaver, who was in good touch in the recent domestic games.

Middle order and all-rounders: Nick Kelly, Josh Clarkson, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner

Nick Kelly and Josh Clarkson played fiery cameos in the previous match. Kelly batted at four to score 21 runs off 12 balls, while Clarkson, batting at seven, finished off the innings with a nine-ball 26, including two sixes and two fours. The duo will regain their places in the New Zealand probable playing XI Vs South Africa.

With Mitchell Santner and James Neesham in their ranks, they have a strong depth in their line-up. The duo has the mettle to win New Zealand games on their given day, and they have done well in the first two games.

Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Cole McConchie, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears

Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears picked three wickets apiece in the second T20I at Hamilton, as the two pacers were the key reason for South Africa's batting collapse as they were bowled out for 107 runs. New Zealand won't make any changes regarding Ferguson and Sears.

Cole McConchie has been handy with both bat and ball. So far, he has notched up 33 runs at a strike rate close to 150. Moreover, he took a wicket in the last game. Thus, he will be a part of the New Zealand probable playing XI Vs South Africa.

However, the Blackcaps will look to bench Kyle Jamieson. The all-rounder has picked up just one wicket in this series. The team management might drop him for another all-rounder Nathan Smith, who might be fruitful in Auckland.

New Zealand Playing XI Vs South Africa- 3rd T20I: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (wk), Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Katene Clarke, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Cole McConchie, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears