Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been named captain of South Africa’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand. Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a 15-player team that combines experience with new talent. Maharaj will lead the squad in a fresh environment after players return from the World Cup.
The T20I series is set to take place from March 15 to March 26. Along with Maharaj, only two other players from the World Cup, spinner George Linde and all-rounder Jason Smith, have been selected for the touring team.
The squad will include promising newcomers such as Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Eathan Bosch, and Nqobani Mokoena. This series will also see the return of Tony de Zorzi, who missed previous matches due to injury.
The series will wrap up on March 25, just before the Indian Premier League begins on March 26.
Head coach Shukri Conrad emphasized the importance of this series for younger players to showcase their skills at the International level.
“With this series happening right after the T20 World Cup, many players will return home, providing a great chance for this group to step up and demonstrate their talent,” commented South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad to ESPNcricinfo. “Keshav has experience as captain and has led teams to the SA20 finals, making him the ideal leader for this tour.”
“The batting lineup looks exciting. Tony offers experience at the top, while Connor, Dian, and Jordan have shown they can play aggressive cricket at the domestic level. Nqobani impressed during SA20 and this series is a perfect opportunity for him to gain international experience,” he added.
The selection of five uncapped players comes as the T20 World Cup 2026 is ongoing in India and Sri Lanka, ending on March 8, just before the New Zealand series begins. The Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, have reached the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
South Africa squad for T20I series in New Zealand
Keshav Maharaj (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Eathan Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Nqobani Mokoena, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, and Jason Smith
