South Africa’s selection panel named a 15-player squad on February 20 for a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to run from March 15 to 25. Five uncapped players have been called up for the first time, making this one of the most refreshed Proteas squads in recent memory.
Keshav Maharaj will captain the side. He is one of only three players retained from the current T20 World Cup squad, alongside George Linde and Jason Smith. The rest of the World Cup group has been rested, which clearly shows what this tour is about. South Africa is using it to test their next group of players in international conditions.
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Five New Faces Get Their First Call
The uncapped players are batters Connor Esterhuizen (DP World Lions), Dian Forrester (North West Dragons), and Jordan Hermann (Warriors). All-rounder Eathan Bosch from the Dolphins also earns his first call, along with 19-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena. What makes this squad interesting is that Jordan Hermann plays alongside his elder brother, Rubin Hermann. Eathan Bosch, meanwhile, is the younger brother of Proteas all-rounder Corbin Bosch. Two sets of brothers in one touring party is not something you see very often.
Mokoena is the name to watch most closely. At 19, he finished the SA20 as one of the leading wicket-takers while playing for the Paarl Royals. Head coach Shukri Conrad was direct about why Mokoena was picked. Conrad said the SA20 showed Mokoena is an exciting young quick with the ability to make an impact, and that this series gives him the right platform to step into international cricket.
Gerald Coetzee and Tony de Zorzi Return
Two experienced players are back in the setup after time away. Gerald Coetzee last played T20I cricket for South Africa against Namibia in October 2025. Tony de Zorzi returns after recovering from a right hamstring injury. Their presence gives the squad some balance against so many new names.
Conrad also spoke about Maharaj’s suitability to lead. He pointed to Maharaj’s calm presence and his having led two teams to the SA20 final as reasons the spinner is the right choice to guide this group through a tough tour. Those who followed South Africa’s beat of New Zealand recently at the T20 World Cup will know these two teams have already met in high-pressure conditions this year.
A Historic Double-Header Series
This series carries one more angle that sets it apart. For the first time in cricket, both the Proteas Men and Proteas Women will play as part of a bilateral double-header setup. The women’s match will be played in the afternoon, and the men’s in the evening across all five fixtures. Conrad mentioned this adds to the excitement around the tour.
The five venues are Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Seddon Park in Hamilton, Eden Park in Auckland, Sky Stadium in Wellington, and Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand conditions offer swing, seam, and bounce, which is a real test for batters stepping into T20I cricket for the first time. South Africa’s T20 World Cup campaign showed the depth of this country, and this squad is the next wave pushing for the same level.
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