South Africa wins the toss and bats in the fourth T20 against New Zealand South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj secured the toss on Sunday and opted to bowl against New Zealand in the fourth Twenty20 match of the series. The decision comes after a series of tightly contested games that have seen New Zealand take a 2-1 lead in the five-match contest. South Africa had claimed the first match by seven wickets, while New Zealand responded with victories in the second and third matches, scoring 68 runs and eight wickets respectively. New Zealand’s Tom Latham, who scored 63 in the third match to guide his team to a win on Friday, is sidelined due to a thumb injury. His absence means the Black Caps will miss several key players for the final two games, including opening partner Devon Conway, captain Mitchell Santner, and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson. The team has made several adjustments to their lineup, with wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver returning to the squad for the first time since 2023. Batsman Katene Clarke, making his debut, and all-rounder Josh Clarkson, who is set to return, will also feature. Jimmy Neesham has been named as the new captain for the remaining fixtures. South Africa has also made two changes to their squad, including the debut of offspinner Prenelan Subrayen and the recall of Ottneil Bartman. Seamers Nqobani Mokoena and Lutho Sipamla have been rested for the match. New Zealand’s lineup for the fourth T20 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. South Africa’s squad features Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Prenelan Subrayen, and Ottneil Baartman.#new_zealand #south_africa #keshav_maharaj #tom_latham #t20_series
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
Keshav Maharaj: Wiaan Mulder's Opening Role Reflects Squad Depth and Experimentation South Africa's all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been batting at the top of the order in the past two T20 matches against New Zealand, a decision attributed to the injury absence of Jordan Hermann and the team's strategy to test depth. Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj explained that coach Shukri Conrad is running an experiment with Mulder opening the batting, emphasizing the importance of balancing squad versatility and exploring new roles for key players. The move sparked curiosity among fans, as Mulder is not traditionally recognized as an opener in any format. However, Maharaj highlighted that the decision stems from the need to adapt to Hermann's injury, which forced a reshuffle in the batting order. "Shuks is obviously trying something with Wiaan, but it's just more an experiment rather than something cast in stone," Maharaj said. The focus, he added, is on assessing the squad's depth and ensuring a well-rounded team composition. With senior players like Hermann and others released for the Indian Premier League, the experiment provides an opportunity to evaluate younger talent. Maharaj noted that the team's current setup allows for flexibility, with players like Mulder stepping into unfamiliar roles to strengthen overall depth. "It's about seeing what we have from a balance and ability point of view," he said, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the squad. The Proteas trail 2-1 in the five-match T20 series against New Zealand, having lost the second and third matches. Despite the deficit, Maharaj remains optimistic about the team's chances to turn the series around. He pointed to the absence of key Black Caps players, including Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Lockie Ferguson, as a potential advantage.#new_zealand #keshav_maharaj #proteas #shukri_conrad #wiaan_mulder
Live Blog: New Zealand vs South Africa – 4th T20I (Otago Cricket Ground) Updated: 2:15 PM Latest Score: South Africa 120/4 in 15.3 overs (Keshav Maharaj 52, David Wiese 28) Key Developments: South Africa’s Bowling Strategy: The Proteas have opted for a mix of pace and spin, with pace bowler Ovum Baratman and leg-spinner Prennel Subrayan dominating early. Baratman’s first over contained three maidens, while Subrayan’s off-spin has disrupted New Zealand’s rhythm. New Zealand’s Response: The Black Caps’ pace attack, led by Mitchell Santner and Kyle Jamieson, has been aggressive, targeting the South African middle order. Santner’s first over yielded 12 runs, but the hosts are struggling to contain the lower order. Injury Update: Tom Latham’s injury has shifted the captaincy to Jimmy Neesham, who is now leading from the dugout. Katen Clark’s debut as a batter has been tentative, with a single and a dot ball in his first over. South Africa’s Setback: The Proteas lost opener David Wiese (28) to Ben Sears’ sharp inswinger in the 13th over, but Maharaj’s resilience has kept the innings afloat. His 52 includes 7 boundaries and a six off Santner. Player Spotlight: Keshav Maharaj: The South African captain is in commanding form, playing deep drives and rotating the strike. His 52* has steadied the innings after a shaky start. Mitchell Santner: The New Zealand seamer has been clinical, with 3 wickets (Wiese, Rilee Rossouw, and David Miller) in 5 overs. His yorkers and slower balls have been the key to the breakthroughs. Prennel Subrayan: The leg-spinner has taken 2 wickets (Wiese, Rilee Rossouw) and is bowling with precision, exploiting the turn and bounce. Series Implications: South Africa needs 120 runs to avoid a series whitewash, but New Zealand’s pace attack is threatening.#new_zealand #south_africa #mitchell_santner #keshav_maharaj #prennel_subrayan
न्यूजीलैंड की टीम के लिए एक और हार के बाद बुरा हाल, साउथ अफ्रीका के खिलाफ दूसरे सबसे छोटे स्कोर पर ढेर न्यूजीलैंड की टीम ने साउथ अफ्रीका के खिलाफ पांच मैचों की टी20 सीरीज के पहले मुकाबले में सात विकेट से हार झेली। इस मैच में न्यूजीलैंड की पूरी टीम महज 91 रन पर 14.3 ओवर में ऑलआउट हो गई। इस रिकॉर्ड के साथ न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाड़ियों के लिए यह एक बुरी राह बन गई। साउथ अफ्रीका के गेंदबाजों ने पूरी पारी में दबदबा बनाए रखा। 19 साल के डेब्यूटेंट एनकोबानी मोकोएना ने अपने पहले अंतरराष्ट्रीय मैच में शानदार प्रदर्शन करते हुए 26 रन देकर तीन विकेट झटके। जेराल्ड कोएत्जी और ओटनिल बार्टमैन ने दो-दो विकेट लिए, जबकि कप्तान केशव महाराज ने भी दो विकेट लेकर न्यूजीलैंड को सस्ते में समेटने में मदद की। मोकोएना को मैच के लिए प्लेयर ऑफ द मैच का खिताब दिया गया। साउथ अफ्रीका ने 92 रन के लक्ष्य का पीछा करते हुए 16.4 ओवर में आसानी से जीत हासिल कर ली। विकेटकीपर बल्लेबाज कॉनर एस्टरहुइजन ने 48 गेंदों में नाबाद 45 रन बनाए, जिसमें दो चौके और दो छक्के शामिल थे। उनकी पारी ने मेहमान टीम को सात विकेट से जीत दिलाई। मोकोएना ने अपने डेब्यू मैच में प्लेयर ऑफ द मैच चुने जाने पर कहा कि वह अपने पहले मैच के प्रदर्शन से खुश हैं। उन्होंने कहा, "मेरे पहले दो ओवर वैसे नहीं गए जैसे मैं चाहता था, लेकिन गेंदबाजों के लिए हालात काफी मददगार थे। गेंद में मूवमेंट था और मैं अपनी स्लो बॉल्स का अच्छा इस्तेमाल कर सका।" इस मैच के बाद न्यूजीलैंड की टीम के लिए सीरीज के अगले मुकाबले में बड़ी चुनौती रहेगी, जबकि साउथ अफ्रीका के खिलाड़ियों के लिए यह एक बड़ी जीत बन गई।#new_zealand #south_africa #keshav_maharaj #enockobani_mokoenya #conor_esterhuyzen
"Execution was pretty top-notch from our bowlers": Keshav Maharaj after win over New Zealand in 1st T20 South Africa’s captain Keshav Maharaj praised his bowlers’ precision and composure after leading his team to a dominant seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening T20I of a five-match series at the Bay Oval. The Proteas’ clinical performance saw them dismiss the Black Caps for 91 runs in 14.3 overs before chasing the target in 16.4 overs. Maharaj highlighted the maturity of young batters Connor Esterhuizen and Dian Forrester, who remained unbeaten on 45 and 16 respectively, ensuring a comfortable win. He emphasized the team’s focus and execution, noting that the bowlers delivered exactly what was asked of them despite nerves in the final stages. “It’s a young bowling lineup, but they stood up to the challenge,” Maharaj said. “The maturity shown by Esterhuizen and Forrester was key to taking us over the line.” The skipper also reflected on the significance of leading his team in his 50th T20 match, calling it a “special opportunity.” He expressed gratitude for the win, which added to South Africa’s 1-0 series lead. “To captain the country in my 50th match is a privilege, and the win makes it even more memorable,” he added. Esterhuizen’s innings, featuring two sixes and four boundaries, and Forrester’s steady contribution underscored the Proteas’ depth. The victory sets the tone for the remainder of the series, with South Africa aiming to maintain their momentum in the upcoming matches.#south_africa #bay_oval #keshav_maharaj #connor_esterhuizen #dian_forrester
South Africa tear through New Zealand to win first T20 A revamped South Africa team dismantled New Zealand's batting order to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory in their first Twenty20 international, finishing with 20 balls remaining. The Proteas dominated the match at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval, dismissing the hosts for 91 in the 15th over, marking their 10th lowest total in T20 history. South Africa responded with ease, reaching 93-3 in reply. Opener Connor Esterhuizen, making his international debut, played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 45 off 48 balls, ensuring an early series advantage. Four South African players made their international debuts across all formats, including teenage pace bowler Nqobani Mokoena, who impressed with his pace and movement. The 19-year-old took 3-26 in 3.3 overs, dismantling New Zealand's tail to prevent them from surpassing 100. Mokoena described his debut as a "cool" experience, crediting his teammates for their support. Fellow fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman each claimed two wickets for South Africa. The match followed New Zealand's T20 World Cup final loss to India, with the Kiwis resting most of their star players. Captain Mitchell Santner and allrounder Jimmy Neesham were retained, but the rest of the squad was rested. Santner took 1-8 in four overs, while Neesham scored 26 before falling to Mokoena. South Africa's last encounter with New Zealand was a World Cup semi-final defeat, with spinner Keshav Maharaj, the only survivor from that match, now leading the team as captain. This was Maharaj's 50th T20 international. The series continues with a second match in Hamilton on Tuesday.#new_zealand #south_africa #mount_maunganui #bay_oval #keshav_maharaj
