New Zealand finished as runners-up of the last T20 World Cup in 2026, and they are currently hosting the former runners-up of the competition for a five-match T20I series from 2024. However, with the IPL around the corner, both boards have sent their second-tier teams for the competition. However, New Zealand’s top fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and captain Mitchell Santner were also part of the series.
The two teams will meet for the fourth time in the series when they play the fourth T20I on March 22 at the Sky Stadium in Wellington. Tom Latham will lead New Zealand in place of Santner and South Africa will continue to play under captain Keshav Maharaj. With one loss and two consecutive wins, the New Zealanders are currently looking like the more capable team in the bilateral series.
This article follows the detailed probable analysis of New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa Playing XI ahead of the fourth match between the two teams in the five-match T20 series.
New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa Playing XI – 4th T20I
New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa-4th T20I
Opener: Dan Cleaver and Tom Latham
Devon Conway will no longer star in the New Zealand series after leaving for the PSL; So, now they have to bring in their new star in the form of Dane Cleaver as Tom Latham’s opening partner. Although Cleaver has been a promising performer at domestic level, his international inexperience will have to be balanced by a highly experienced captain.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham, Josh Clarkson
New Zealand’s middle order is unchanged except for the departure of captain Mitchell Santner. Tim Robinson will be the main star to watch in this middle order, as he has a record to boast of for New Zealand in his previous short tenure. Bevon Jacobs is returning from injury and Jimmy Neesham is adding experience to the team.
Bowler: Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears, Cole McConchiejack faulks
There have been some major changes in New Zealand’s bowling deck in the absence of Lockie Ferguson. Now they will have an additional spinner in the form of Jayden Lennox, who can take the captain’s place in the bowling chart. Bean Sears and Jack Foulkes are ideal to take over with the new ball. Cole McConchie has more to offer as a batsman 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, Jack Foulkes, 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 make an impact in the second-tier team. His batting form is not a matter of concern for the Proteas but rather an insult. Connor Esterhuizen could be promoted to the starting spot after Wiaan Mulder failed as an opener.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Rubin Harman, Jason Smith, Dianne Forrester, Wiaan Mulder
After Jordan Harman was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Rubin Harman and Jason Smith are the two pillars of the South African middle order to carry forward their innings in the toughest phase of the T20 game. Jason Smith’s role will be to keep the scoreboard going while the other batsmen keep their cool and go for singles and doubles.
Bowlers: George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Nqobani Mokoena, Gerald Coetzee, lutho sipamla
George Linde, like New Zealand’s McConchie, has performed well with the bat more often than not with the ball in this series. However, he is the second spinner to support captain Keshav Maharaj. South Africa also have a balanced pace attack, with Gerald Coetzee leading the side along with Lutho Sipamla and Nqobani Mokoena.
South Africa Playing XI: Tony De Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Jason Smith, Dianne Forrester, Rubin Harman, Vianne Mulder, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj (c), Nqobani Mokoena, Gerald Coetzee and Lutho Sipamla.
Also Read: “Their batting is 10”: Former CSK opener praises SRH’s batting ahead of IPL 2026
