NZ vs SA, 3rd T20I: Mtach preview, head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

New Zealand will play the third T20I of the five-match series against South Africa on the 20th of March at Eden Park, Auckland. The match is very important as the team that wins the game will take the lead going forward, as the series is currently tied at 1-1.

South Africa began the tour with a dominating win in the first T20I, as they bowled New Zealand out for just 91 runs. They then chased the target easily. However, New Zealand has made a good comeback with a good all-round performance in the second T20I. They chose to bat first, scoring 175 for 6. Devon Conway was the highest run-scorer for them, scoring 60 runs. Josh Clarkson also played a quick-fire knock of 26 runs off just 9 balls, which boosted their total significantly.

In the run chase, South Africa faced difficulties from the very beginning. They kept losing wickets regularly. George Linde played a fighting knock for his team, but no other batsman supported him. Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears were the key bowlers for New Zealand. Both of them took three wickets apiece to bowl out South Africa for 107 runs and win the match for New Zealand by 68 runs.

NZ vs SA: Head-to-Head in T20Is

Matches Played: 22
New Zealand Won: 9
South Africa Won: 13
Tied/No Result: 0

NZ vs SA: Pitch Report

The pitch at Eden Park is great for batting. It is flat with good bounce, helping aggressive players, especially early on. Fast bowlers may get some help in the first few overs. As the match goes on, the pitch becomes easier for batting, giving players more time to play shots. Spinners can help later. The average score is around 171 first, dropping to about 154 later.

NZ vs SA: Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand (NZ):

Mitchell Santner (c), Katene Clarke, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Cole McConchie, Tim Robinson

South Africa (SA):

Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, Jason Smith