New Zealand and South Africa are set to face each other in a five-match T20I series, with the opening match scheduled to take place at the Bay Oval on Sunday. The series will be an opportunity for a youthful Proteas side to challenge themselves in New Zealand conditions. The series follows their gripping T20 World Cup campaign, where New Zealand enjoyed an impressive run throughout the tournament, reaching the final before falling short against India.

Their road to the final included a dominant semi-final performance against South Africa, where the Black Caps delivered a clinical nine-wicket victory to eliminate the Proteas. However, this series will present a completely different challenge, as both teams have chosen to rest several senior players following the demanding tournament schedule. As a result, the five matches will serve as a valuable platform for emerging players aiming to make their mark in T20Is.

For New Zealand, the selectors have opted for an expanded 18-player squad with phased availability across the series. Mitchell Santner will captain the side in the first three matches. After that, wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham will take over the captaincy responsibilities for the remaining games. South Africa, meanwhile, have adopted a development-focused strategy, entering the series with a young squad. Keshav Maharaj will be leading the side. This series will be important for South Africa’s younger players. For New Zealand, the series offers a chance to deepen their talent pool and identify star players.

Head-to-head

Match - 20

New Zealand won - 8

South Africa won - 12

New Zealand possible XI: Mitchell Santner (c), Katene Clarke, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Cole McConchie, Tim Robinson

South Africa possible XI: Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, Jason Smith