South Africa will face New Zealand in the third T20 match at Eden Park in Auckland on 20th.th March 11:45 am IST.
Get the best NZ vs SA Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI and match insights for the 3rd T20I of South Africa vs New Zealand tour 2026. Expert analysis and more.
Also read: Big blow to CSK, Nathan Ellis out of IPL 2026
New Zealand vs South Africa Match Preview:
A decisive phase has begun as New Zealand and South Africa prepare for the third match of their five-match T20I series at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday, March 20, 2026. The contest will begin at 11:45 am IST, and with the series tied at 1-1, this encounter will effectively shape the outcome of the tour. Furthermore, Eden Park’s short straight boundaries often encourage aggressive strokeplay, which can affect opening pace. Therefore, both teams will aim to dominate the powerplay and set the tone immediately.
Recent results highlight New Zealand’s strong comeback in Hamilton. They staunchly defended 175 for 6 and bowled out South Africa for 107 to win by 68 runs. As a result, this performance increased the momentum towards the hosts, especially given their historically limited success against South Africa on home soil. Although the Proteas still lead 13-9 on aggregate, New Zealand are now full of confidence going into this crucial encounter.
There has been a boost in confidence within the New Zealand camp after Devon Conway led the innings with a smashing 60, while Josh Clarkson provided the pace with an unbeaten 26 late on. Additionally, Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson demolished the opposition team by taking three wickets each. Meanwhile, South Africa will look to produce a strong batting performance after a collective failure, despite Willem Mulder contributing with both bat and ball. Therefore, New Zealand will aim to take advantage of the familiar conditions, while South Africa will look to make a strong comeback to take control of the series.
New Zealand vs South Africa head-to-head record:
|
teams |
win the match |
|
new zealand |
9 |
|
South Africa |
13 |
New Zealand vs South Africa Weather and Pitch Report:
|
temperature |
23°C |
|
weather forecast |
cloudy |
|
pitch behavior |
batting friendly |
|
Best suited for |
motion |
|
Average score of first innings |
171 |
Records of chasing teams:
New Zealand vs South Africa Playing 11 (Expected):
New Zealand playing 11:
1) Devon Conway (Wicketkeeper)
2) Tim Robinson
3) Tom Latham
4) Nick Kelly
5) Mitchell Santner ©
6) James Neesham
7) Cole McConchie
8) Josh Clarkson
9) Kyle Jamieson
10) Ben Sears
11) Lockie Ferguson
South Africa playing 11: :
1) Willem Mulder
2) Connor Esterhuizen (wicketkeeper)
3) Tony De Zorzi
4) Rubin Harman
5) Jason Smith
6) Dianne Forrester
7) George Linde
8) Gerald Coetzee
9) Keshav Maharaj ©
10) Otniel Bartman
11) Nqobani Mokoena
Hot Picks for New Zealand vs South Africa Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Choice:
|
Devon Conway – The New Zealand left-handed opening batsman has been impressive, scoring 61 runs including a solid match-winning innings. |
|
Mitchell Santner – New Zealand are relying on this left-handed batsman who also bowls slow left-arm orthodox and has taken 3 wickets while scoring 20 runs in the series. |
Raises up:
|
George Linde – The South African left-handed batsman also bowls slow left-arm orthodox bowling and contributed 33 runs with 1 wicket. |
|
Wiaan Mulder – a right-handed batsman from South Africa, who also bowls right-arm medium pace and has taken 4 wickets adding 16 runs. |
Budget Selection:
|
Tony De Zorzi – South Africa are banking on this left-handed opening batsman who has scored 10 runs and will look to improve in the coming matches. |
|
Ben Sears – New Zealand’s right-arm fast bowler performed brilliantly with the ball, taking 3 wickets, with his best performance being 3/14. |
New Zealand vs South Africa South Africa New Zealand tour 2026 Captain and vice-captain choices:
|
captain |
Mitchell Santner and Devon Conway |
|
vice captain |
Vianne Mulder and George Linde |
NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Devon Conway, Connor Esterhuizen
- Batsman – Tim Robinson
- All-rounders – Mitchell Santner©, James Neesham, George Linde, Cole McConchie, Wiaan Mulder (Vice-captain)
- Bowlers – Lockie Ferguson, Gerald Coetzee, Otniel Bartman

NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- The Keepers – Devon Conway ©
- Batsmen – Tony De Zorzi, Tim Robinson
- All-rounders – Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, George Linde (vice-captain), Cole McConchie, Wiaan Mulder
- Bowlers – Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Otniel Bartman

NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction Today Match 3rd T20I South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026 Players to avoid:
|
player |
dream11 credit |
Dream11 Points (Last Match) |
|
P Subrayen |
7.5 credits |
No |
|
K Clark |
7.5 credits |
No |
NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction Today Match 3rd T20I South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026 Expert Advice:
|
sl captaincy option |
michel santner |
|
gl captaincy option |
devon conway |
|
choice of punt |
Ben Sears and Tony De Zorzi |
|
dream11 combination |
2-1-5-3 |
New Zealand vs South Africa Match Winner Prediction:
Considering the team combination and recent form, South Africa is expected to win this match.


