The New Zealand cricket team will take on South Africa in a high-voltage match for the 24th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Both these teams are strong contenders to qualify for the next round from Group D.
Before the match, both the teams have claimed two wins each. After a tough match against Afghanistan, South Africa will face the Kiwi team. The South Africa vs Afghanistan match ended after two super overs. The Proteas showed their enthusiasm in the match. New Zealand is yet to face a tough challenge, which could be their next match with the South African cricket team.
This article provides the probable playing XI for New Zealand vs South Africa for the 24th match of the World Cup clash in 2026. This article covers possible player combinations and important players to watch out for on the spin-friendly track of Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Playing XI of New Zealand vs South Africa-T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert
Both these batsmen can be explosive against the South African bowlers on the batting-friendly surface of Narendra Modi Stadium. The combination of Allen and Seifert is, on paper, one of the most dangerous starting combinations in the tournament.
Middle-order: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner.
Rachin Ravindra’s off form is a constant headache for the team. All-rounder Mitchell Santner is mostly known not for his batting but for his bowling. The middle order of the New Zealand team is mostly dependent on Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman. Any one of these three batsmen will have to play solidly against South Africa.
Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry.
Michael Bracewell’s injury is a big blow to the team. In place of the spin bowling all-rounder, they may find a replacement on paper but may not be able to match the quality. If we consider only spin bowling then Ish Sodhi is with the team to do the job.
New Zealand’s probable playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry.
Playing XI of South Africa vs New Zealand-T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock.
Quinton de Kock is in form opposite Aiden Markram. Markram needs to show his true potential on the field in the T20 World Cup 2026. This opening pair is enough to snatch any match in its time.
Middle order: Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen.
Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen all contributed to South Africa’s wins in the last two matches. Dewald Brevis has not been at his best yet. Brewis’ poor form is the only flaw in the batting order.
Bowlers: George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi.
The experienced bowling line-up supported by Marco Jansson has been performing well as a unit. Maharaj and Linde, the two spinners, had a very tough day against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad. He should revive his confidence before the New Zealand match. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will try their best to damage the Kiwi batting line-up as early as possible in the match.
South Africa Probable Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansson, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
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