NZ vs SA Match Preview

Following the end of the ICC T20 World Cup, the runners-up, New Zealand, will host South Africa for a five-match T20I series. The tournament's first T20I could be played at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval on March 15th at 11:45 AM. Both teams have rested key players from their World Cup squads. New Zealand enters the series following a heartbreaking loss to India in the ICC WT20 Final. South Africa has also rested key players from its World Cup squad. 

NZ vs SA Match Details

New Zealand vs South Africa – 1st T20I Match, South Africa of New Zealand tour 2025

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui  

Date & Time: 15th March 2026 at 11:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SA Venue Stats 

NZ vs SA Pitch Report

The pitch at Bay Oval, for the T20Is is balanced but batting-friendly, with good pace, true bounce, and shorter boundaries that aid stroke play. 

NZ vs SA Weather Report

The weather prediction for the game day in Mount Maunganui predicts clear skies and bright sun. The outside temperature will likely hover around 20-17°C.

NZ vs SA Last Five Matches

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: NZ vs SA Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win the 1st T20I?

NZ vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann (wk), George Linde, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen, Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Lutho Sipamla, Wiaan Mulder

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Devon Conway (wk), Josh Clarkson, Tim Robinson, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (C), Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Zak Foulkes

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tim Robinson – Tim Robinson scored 561 runs in 24 T20Is played in the past two years at a strike rate of 138.86, including a century and two half-centuries.
• Cole McConchie – Cole McConchie played four games at the World Cup, scoring 45 runs and taking two wickets in the semi-final.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Connor Esterhuizen – Connor Esterhuizen will make his debut, having scored 166 runs for the Paarl Royals in the recent SA20.
• Ottneil Baartman – He was the leading wicket-taker in SA20, taking 20 wickets for Paarl Royals in 9 games.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SA Dream11 Team:

Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Mitchell Santner(VC), Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Wiaan Mulder(C), Ben Sears, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Tim Robinson, Wiaan Mulder

Vice-captain – Mitchell Santner, Connor Esterhuizen

Wicketkeeper – Devon Conway

NZ vs SA Probable Winners:

With both teams missing their starting lineups, the match favors the home team, New Zealand. Ish Sodhi has 14 wickets from 11 games here. New Zealand will rely on its recent achievements at the ICC World Twenty20. We anticipate that New Zealand will take down South Africa. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.