New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa Playing XI - 4th T20I | South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026
New Zealand finished as the runners-up of the previous T20 World Cup in 2026, and they are currently hosting the former runners-up of the contest from 2024 for a five-match T20I series. However, with the IPL looming over the horizon, the two boards have sent in their second-tier teams for this contest. However, New Zealand ace pacer Lockie Ferguson and skipper Mitchell Santner were also part of the series.
The two teams will clash for the fourth time in the series, as they play the 4th T20I at Sky Stadium in Wellington on the 22nd of March. New Zealand will be led by Tom Latham as Santner's stand-in replacement, and South Africa will continue to play under captain Keshav Maharaj. With a loss and two back-to-back wins, the New Zealanders are currently looking like the more capable side in the bilateral series.
This article follows a detailed probable analysis of the New Zealand Playing XI vs the South Africa Playing XI ahead of the fourth match between the two teams in the five-match T20I series.
New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa Playing XI - 4th T20I
New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa—4th T20I
Openers: Dane Cleaver and Tom Latham
New Zealand will no longer have Devon Conway starring in the series as he leaves for the PSL; hence, they will now have to bring in their new star in the form of Dane Cleaver as Tom Latham's opening partner. Though Cleaver has been a promising performer domestically, his international inexperience will have to be balanced by the vastly experienced skipper.
Middle Order Batters and All-Rounders: Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham, Josh Clarkson
The New Zealand middle order remains unchanged except for the departure of skipper Mitchell Santner. Tim Robinson will be the main star to watch out for in this middle order, since he has a record worth boasting about for NZ in the short stints he has had previously. Bevon Jacobs returns from injury, and Jimmy Neesham adds experience to the side.
Bowlers: Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes
The bowling deck of New Zealand has undergone some major changes in the absence of Lockie Ferguson. They will now have an additional spinner in Jayden Lennox, who can replace the skipper in the bowling chart. Bean Sears and Zak Foulkes are ideal to take the new ball in their hand. Cole McConchie has offered more as a batter than an off-spinner.
New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Tim Robinson, Bevon Jacobs, Nick Kelly, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Jayden Lennox, Zak Foulkes, and Ben Sears
South Africa Playing XI vs New Zealand—4th T20I
Openers: Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen
Tony de Zorzi, who was once considered for the T20 World Cup squad, has now failed to produce an impact in the second-tier team. His batting form has not been a concern but a humiliation for the Proteas. Connor Esterhuizen might be promoted to the opening spot after Wiaan Mulder failed as an opener.
Middle Order Batters and All-Rounders: Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, Wiaan Mulder
After Jordan Hermann was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Rubin Hermann and Jason Smith are the two pillars of the South African middle order to anchor their innings in the toughest phase of a T20 game. Jason Smith would have the role of keeping the scoreboard running while the other batters would keep their heads calm and run it down for singles and doubles.
Bowlers: George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Nqobani Mokoena, Gerald Coetzee, Lutho Sipamla
George Linde, much like NZ's McConchie, has delivered more often as a batter than with the ball in this series. However, he is the second spinner backing Keshav Maharaj, the skipper. South Africa also have a balanced pace attack, with Gerald Coetzee leading the pack alongside Lutho Sipamla and Nqobani Mokoena.
South Africa Playing XI: Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, Rubin Hermann, Wiaan Mulder, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj (C), Nqobani Mokoena, Gerald Coetzee, and Lutho Sipamla.
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New Zealand National Cricket Team South Africa National Cricket Team South Africa vs New Zealand Tom Latham Keshav MaharajAbout the Author
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