JOHANNESBURG: The South African Men’s selection panel has announced the 15-player squad for the outbound five-match T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand from 15 – 25 March.
Proteas left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the side which features five uncapped players.
Among the new faces are batters Connor Esterhuizen (DP World Lions), Dian Forrester (Auto Investments North West Dragons) and Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), who have been rewarded for their consistency in domestic T20s, along with all-rounder Eathan Bosch (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).
Also included is Dolphins and former SA Under-19 Men’s fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena. The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season and finished as one of the leading wicket-takers in the Betway SA20 while playing for the Paarl Royals.
Maharaj is one of three players currently involved in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with fellow left-arm spinner George Linde (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Jason Smith (Dolphins) named in the touring party.
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee makes his return to the T20I side for the first time since featuring for the Proteas against Namibia in October 2025, while batter Tony de Zorzi is back in the squad following his recovery from a right hamstring injury.
The series will be played as double-headers, with the Proteas Women taking to the field in the afternoon before the men’s encounter in the evening across all five matches – a first for the senior national teams.
Commenting on the squad, Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad said: “With this series taking place directly after the T20 World Cup, the majority of that squad will return home, which creates a great opportunity for this group of players to step into the international environment and show what they’re about at this level.
“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.
“The batting unit is particularly exciting for this tour. 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.
“Nqobani showed during SA20 that he is an exciting young quick with the ability to make an impact and this series will give him the perfect opportunity to expose him to the international setup.
“Touring New Zealand will challenge their skills in different conditions, and playing in our first bilateral double-header series alongside the Proteas Women adds to the excitement.”
Proteas Men’s T20I Squad against New Zealand
Keshav Maharaj (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Eathan Bosch (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Connor Esterhuizen (DP World Lions), Dian Forrester (Auto Investments North West Dragons), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Rubin Hermann (Auto Investments North West Dragons), George Linde (World Sports Betting Western Province), Nqobani Mokoena (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Andile Simelane (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lutho Sipamla (DP World Lions), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).
Fixtures
1st T20I Sunday, 15 March at 19:15 (09:15 SAST)
New Zealand vs South Africa – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
2nd T20I Tuesday, 17 March at 19:15 (09:15 SAST)
New Zealand vs South Africa – Seddon Park, Hamilton
3rd T20I Friday, 20 March at 19:15 (09:15 SAST)
New Zealand vs South Africa – Eden Park, Auckland
4th T20I Sunday, 22 March at 19:15 (09:15 SAST)
New Zealand vs South Africa – Sky Stadium, Wellington
5th T20I Wednesday, 25 March at 19:15 (09:15 SAST)
New Zealand vs South Africa – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Source: cricket.co.za
Michael Vaughan – Born on October 29, 1974, in Sheffield, Vaughan was a stylish opening batsman and a successful captain. He led England to victory in the 2005 Ashes and scored over 5,700 runs in Tests. His elegant batting and leadership skills made him a respected figure in English cricket.
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