New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa Playing XI - 2nd T20I? | South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026
Published - 16 Mar 2026, 09:33 AM | Updated - 16 Mar 2026, 10:13 AM
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New Zealand will lock horns with South Africa in the 2nd T20I on Tuesday, March 17. The match is scheduled to start at 11:45 AM IST. The Kiwis have been defeated in the first match by the Proteas by 7 wickets. The home side was bowled out for just 91 runs, and the visitors chased it down easily with 20 balls left.
South Africa has the upper hand against New Zealand in the T20I format. They have won four games in the five outings in the T20 World Cups, with one match they lost was in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both sides have come into this T20I series with a mixture of experienced and inexperienced players.
New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa—2nd T20I
Openers: Devon Conway, Tom Latham
The two openers completely failed in the first game as both were back in the pavilion for a single-digit score. Conway has failed to find his form since the India series; now, Latham, who has been added to the squad after the T20 World Cup, has also failed. They need firepower from the top for a good start for the Kiwis.
Middle Order Batters and All-Rounders: Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham
The New Zealand middle-order is new and inexperienced, as they do not have many matches under their belt. They could not also suffer the pressure after the openers were back early in the pavilion in the first game. Mitchell Santner and his boys would want to turn things around, alongside Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs, who could be crucial for the side to get a big total.
Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes, Lockie Ferguson
Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears did not have much to do with the ball in the first game. Though Zak Foulkes bowled well, picking up one wicket of Tony de Zorzi. However, they did not have many runs under their belt to defend. Bringing in Lockie Ferguson in the next game would be crucial for the side.
South Africa Playing XI vs New Zealand—2nd T20I
Openers: Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen
While chasing a target of 92 runs, openers Tony de Zorzi and Connor Esterhuizen did not get the start they wanted. The former was back early in the pavilion; however, the latter was not out on the score of 45 runs. Both batters need to step up in the next game to win the game.
Middle Order Batters and All-Rounders: Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Wiaan Mulder
Rubin Hermann and Jason Smith failed in the middle order as they could not get past the 20-run mark. Dian Forrester played a small knock of 16 runs alongside the opener Esterhuizen and took his team home. However, in the next game, if batting first or chasing a big target, Jordan Hermann and Wiaan Mulder will be given the responsibility to play aggressive cricket.
Bowlers: George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman
Gerald Coetzee was the star for South Africa in the first game. He picked up two early wickets and bowled beautifully, finishing off with 14/2 in his three overs. Keshav Maharaj and Ottneil Baartman also picked two wickets each and helped bowl New Zealand out for 91 runs. George Linde can be added in the second game, as his left-arm spin can be crucial.
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New Zealand National Cricket Team South Africa National Cricket Team New Zealand vs South Africa Tony de Zorzi Devon Conway Tim Robinson Zak Foulkes Mitchell Santner Keshav MaharajAbout the Author
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