South Africa Captain Keshav Maharaj Chooses to Bowl in Fourth T20 Against New Zealand South Africa’s captain, Keshav Maharaj, won the toss on Sunday (March 22, 2026) and opted to bowl in the fourth Twenty20 international match against New Zealand. The decision comes after a series of low-scoring encounters, with New Zealand holding a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. South Africa had previously secured the first match by seven wickets, while New Zealand claimed the second and third matches by 68 runs and eight wickets, respectively. New Zealand’s Tom Latham, who scored 63 to guide his team to victory in the third match on Friday, is sidelined due to a thumb injury. His absence leaves the team without key players, including opening partner Devon Conway, captain Mitchell Santner, and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who are all unavailable for the final two matches of the series. In response, New Zealand has made several lineup adjustments, recalling wicketkeeper batter Dane Cleaver for the first time since 2023 and including debutant batter Katene Clarke. Josh Clarkson, who missed the previous matches, is also set to return. Jimmy Neesham will take over as the team’s captain for the remaining fixtures. South Africa has also made two changes to its squad for the fourth match. Offspinner Prenelan Subrayen, making his debut, has been named in the lineup, while Ottneil Bartman has been recalled. Seamers Nqobani Mokoena and Lutho Sipamla are rested for the game. The lineups for both teams have been finalized. New Zealand’s squad includes Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham (captain), Josh Clarkson, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, and Ben Sears.#new_zealand #south_africa #keshav_maharaj #tom_latham #dane_cleaver
