Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a new-look 15-man squad for the upcoming T20I series. New Zealandwith the experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj appointed captain. The five-match series, which will begin on March 15, will be played just a week after the conclusion of the ongoing games. ICC Men’s T20 World CupMarks a quick turnaround for the Proteas.
Keshav Maharaj will lead a balanced unit
Known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, Maharaj will lead a team that combines experience with promising young talent. With several front-line players expected to move directly from World Cup duties to franchise commitments, the selectors opted to rotate and rest key names.
Only three players currently participating in the World Cup – Maharaj, George Lindeand Jason Smith – He will go to New Zealand. The decision comes down to careful workload management, especially with the IPL slated to begin immediately after the series ends on March 25.
For Maharaj, the assignment presents another opportunity to showcase his leadership credentials in the shortest format. Having previously led domestic and franchise sides, he now steps into a national role at a crucial time as South Africa reshapes its T20 core.
The team is led by new faces
The tour will be particularly special for five players who have earned their first international call-ups: Connor Esterhuizen, Diane Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Eathan Boschand Win Mokoena.
There is a strong family bond within the group. Jordan Hermann joins his brother Rubin Hermann and in the staff Ethan Bosch follows the path of his older sister Corbin Bosch. The sibling stories add a heartwarming dimension to the team announcement and highlight the depth of cricketing talent in South Africa’s domestic system.
19 years old among newcomers Win Mokoena stands out. The young spinner impressed in the 2026 SA20 season and finished as the fourth highest wicket-taker for Paarl Royals with an impressive strike rate of 14.76 with 13 scalps. His inclusion signals South Africa’s intent to produce match-winners who appear abroad.
Temp firepower returns
Fast bowlers Ottoneil Baartman and Gerald CoetzeeThe players, both absent from the World Cup squad, have been recalled to add bite to the pace attack. Their inclusion shows a willingness to test different bowling combinations ahead of a packed international calendar.
Tony de Zorzi provides stability at the top of the order by ensuring that he bounces back even after recovering from injury. Along with experienced campaigners Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayenand Andile Simelanethe squad seems structured to experiment without losing competitiveness.
South Africa Squad for New Zealand T20I: Keshav Maharaj (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Eathan Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Ngobani Mokoena, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamlath, Jane.
