New Zealand have unveiled a mixed and experimental squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa at home, with Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham set to share leadership duties. While Santner will captain the side for the first three matches, Latham will take charge for the final two games of the series, which begins at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on March 15. The squad also features several new faces alongside experienced campaigners as the Black Caps manage player workloads following their recent T20 World Cup campaign.
Tom Latham returns to T20I setup after two-year gap
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Latham has made a return to New Zealand’s T20I squad after last appearing in the format in April 2023. His comeback follows an impressive run in domestic cricket, where he emerged as the top run-scorer for Canterbury Kings in the latest Super Smash season.
Latham’s leadership experience will also come into play as he is set to captain the team in the final two matches of the series. His inclusion provides stability to a squad that blends youth and experience as New Zealand continue to build their T20 depth ahead of future global tournaments.
Mitchell Santner to lead first three games as squad rotation continues
All-rounder Santner, who was part of New Zealand’s recent T20 World Cup campaign, will lead the side for the opening three matches of the series. Santner is among eight players from the World Cup squad included for the South Africa clash.
Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson will also feature in the first half of the series before leaving after the third game. Meanwhile, several players including Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi have been selected for the entire five-match contest.
The selection approach reflects New Zealand Cricket’s intention to carefully manage player workloads after a busy international schedule that included tours to India and Sri Lanka earlier in the year.
Three uncapped players earn maiden call-ups
The squad includes three uncapped players – Katene Clarke, Nick Kelly and Jayden Lennox – who have been rewarded for their impressive performances in domestic competitions.
Clarke’s selection follows a remarkable Super Smash campaign in which he scored 431 runs, including an unbeaten century, helping Northern Brave lift the domestic T20 title. He is expected to be available for the final two matches of the series.
Left-arm spinner Lennox also earned his maiden T20I call-up after impressing during his debut ODI series against India earlier this year. Meanwhile, Kelly has been picked following consistent performances for Wellington Firebirds and his ODI debut against Pakistan last season.
Rested players and injury concerns shape squad selection
Several senior players have been rested after the demanding T20 World Cup schedule. Key names such as Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert will sit out the series.
Fast bowler Matt Henry is also unavailable as he spends time with his newborn child. In addition, a few players were not considered for selection due to injuries, including Michael Bracewell (calf), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back) and Blair Tickner (ankle).
Dane Cleaver will join the squad for the final two matches once Conway departs after the third game, marking his return to the national setup after nearly two years.
New Zealand’s squad for the T20Is against South Africa: Mitchell Santner (captain for matches 1–3), Katene Clarke (matches 4–5), Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wicketkeeper, matches 4–5), Devon Conway (wicketkeeper, matches 1–3), Lockie Ferguson (matches 2–3), Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper and captain for matches 4–5), Jayden Lennox (matches 4–5), Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.
