New Zealand begin the series against South Africa after a heavy defeat in the T20 World Cup final, where India won by 96 runs. After choosing to bowl, New Zealand conceded 255; James Neesham took 3 for 46 and captain Mitchell Santner made 43 off 35 balls. Tim Robinson, who has 561 runs in 24 T20Is at a strike rate of 138.86, is expected to open with the returning Tom Latham, and Devon Conway could move the batting order around. Nick Kelly may bat at three, with Bevon Jacobs, Cole McConchie, Neesham and Josh Clarkson in the middle order.
Santner, Kyle Jamieson (25 wickets in 27 T20Is), McConchie, Neesham and Ben Sears, third-highest wicket-taker in the latest Super Smash with 15, form the bowling group.
South Africa have won four of their last five T20Is but are without several World Cup regulars. George Linde (333 runs and 34 wickets in T20Is) and Keshav Maharaj are the senior figures. Debutant Connor Esterhuizen is likely to open with Tony de Zorzi, with Dian Forrester, Rubin Hermann and Jordan Hermann behind them. Ottneil Baartman, the SA20’s leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets, and Gerald Coetzee support Maharaj in the attack.
