Maharaj to lead South Africa in post-World Cup T20I series in New Zealand

Keshav Maharaj will lead a 15-member South Africa squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled from March 15 to 25. The squad, announced by Cricket South Africa, includes five uncapped players and none of the IPL-bound players.

Among the fresh faces are batters Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, and Jordan Hermann, who earned call-ups based on consistent performances in domestic T20 competitions. Allrounder Eathan Bosch is also included. Teenage fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena has been selected after a breakthrough SA20 season, where he took 13 wickets in 10 games for the Paarl Royals.

"Nqobani showed during SA20 that he is an exciting young quick with the ability to make an impact. This series will give him the perfect opportunity to expose him to the international setup," said head coach Shukri Conrad.

Maharaj is one of three players from South Africa's 2026 T20 World Cup squad named for the tour, alongside left-arm spinner George Linde and Jason Smith. Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee returns to the T20I setup for the first time since October 2025, while batter Tony de Zorzi is back after recovering from a right hamstring injury.

The series will be played as double-headers, with the South Africa Women playing in the afternoon followed by the men's fixture in the evening across all five matches. This marks the first time the senior national sides will feature together in a bilateral double-header format.

Conrad said the tour offers an opportunity for fringe players to step into the international environment, with several World Cup regulars returning home after the global event. "Keshav has experience captaining the Proteas and has led two teams to the SA20 finals. His leadership and calm presence make him the ideal person to lead this group on this tour," Conrad added.

"The batting unit is particularly exciting. Tony brings experience to the top order, while Connor, Dian, and Jordan have all demonstrated the ability to play positive, attacking cricket for their domestic teams. Touring New Zealand will challenge their skills in different conditions."

The series begins at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, with subsequent games in Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington (Sky Stadium), and Christchurch.

South Africa T20 squad: Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Eathan Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Nqobani Mokoena, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, Jason Smith.