New Zealand has announced a mixed and experimental squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series. South Africa at home, with Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham preparing to share leadership responsibilities. While Santner will captain the side for the first three matches, Latham will take charge of the final two games of the series, which begins on March 15 at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui. The squad also has some new faces along with seasoned campaigners as they manage the workload of players after the T20 World Cup campaign.
Tom Latham returns to the T20I setup after a two-year hiatus
Veteran wicketkeeper Latham has returned to New Zealand’s T20I squad after last playing in the format in April 2023. His comeback comes after an impressive run in domestic cricket, where he was the top run-scorer for Canterbury Kings in the most recent Super Smash season.
The leadership experience of Latham, who will captain the team in the last two games of the series, will also come to the fore. His inclusion provides stability to a squad that combines youth and experience as New Zealand continue to build their T20 depth ahead of future global tournaments.
Mitchell Santner will be in charge for the first three games as squad rotation continues
All-rounder Santner, who was part of New Zealand’s recent T20 World Cup campaign, will lead the side in the first three matches of the series. Santner is among eight players named in the World Cup squad for the clash with South Africa.
Devon Conway and Loki Ferguson he will also play in the first half of the series before leaving after the third game. Meanwhile, including several players Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears and Job Sodhi selected for all five matches.
The selection approach reflects New Zealand Cricket’s intention to carefully manage player workload following a busy international schedule that includes tours to India and Sri Lanka earlier in the year.
Three players without wickets wins the first challenge
There are three players in the squad – Keten Clarke, Nick Kelly and Jayden Lennox – those awarded for their impressive performance in domestic competitions.
Clarke’s selection follows a remarkable Super Smash campaign in which he scored 431 runs, including an unbeaten century, helping the Northern Braves lift the domestic T20 title. He is expected to be available for the last two matches of the series.
Left-arm spinner Lennox earned his first T20I call-up after impressing during his debut ODI series against India earlier this year. Meanwhile, Kelly was picked after his consistent performances for the Wellington Firebirds and his ODI debut against Pakistan last season.
Rested players and injuries shape the squad selection
Several senior players were rested after the demanding T20 World Cup schedule. main names like Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert will sit in the series.
Fast bowler Matt Henry is also unavailable as she spends time with her newborn. In addition, several players are not considered for selection due to injuries, including Michael Bracewell (calf), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back) and Blair Tickner (ankle).
Dane Cleaver Conway will join the squad for the final two matches after being withdrawn after the third game, marking his return to the national set-up after almost two years.
New Zealand Squad for T20I vs South Africa: Mitchell Santner (captain for matches 1-3), Keten Clarke (matches 4-5), Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (goalkeeper, matches 4-5), Devon Conway (goalkeeper, matches 1-3), Lockie Ferguson (matches 2-3), Zach Foulkes, Beckham, Zach Foulkes, Laykoon, K. (goalkeeper and captain for matches 4-5), Jayden Lennox (matches 4-5), Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.
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