Keshav Maharaj to Captain South Africa in T20I Series Against New Zealand
Keshav Maharaj will lead South Africa in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning on March 15, just a week after the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The series, which runs until March 25, comes immediately before the start of the Indian Premier League on March 26. As a result, several members of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad have been rested for the tour. Maharaj, along with George Linde and Jason Smith, are the only players currently in India who will travel on to New Zealand.
The 15-member squad features five uncapped players: Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Eathan Bosch and Nqobani Mokoena. Jordan Hermann joins his brother Rubin Hermann in the squad, while Eathan Bosch is the younger brother of Corbin Bosch.
Nineteen-year-old Mokoena earned his call-up after an impressive 2026 SA20 campaign, where he finished as the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps for Paarl Royals at a strike rate of 14.76.
Fast bowlers Ottneil Baartman and Gerald Coetzee, who were not included in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad, return to the T20I setup. Tony de Zorzi also makes his comeback after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said the timing of the series presents an ideal opportunity to broaden the team’s depth.
“With this series taking place directly after the T20 World Cup, the majority of that squad will return home, which creates a great opportunity for this group of players to step into the international environment and show what they’re about at this level,” Conrad said.
He added that Maharaj’s leadership experience made him the right choice to captain the side. “Keshav has experience captaining the Proteas and has led two teams to the SA20 finals. His leadership and calm presence make him the ideal person to lead this group on this tour.”
Conrad also expressed excitement about the batting unit, highlighting de Zorzi’s experience at the top of the order and praising Esterhuizen, Forrester and Jordan Hermann for their positive, attacking approach in domestic cricket. Mokoena, he noted, is “an exciting young quick with the ability to make an impact,” and the series will provide valuable exposure at international level.
South Africa’s women’s team will also be touring New Zealand during the same period, with fixtures scheduled as double-headers.
South Africa T20I squad:
Keshav Maharaj (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Eathan Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Nqobani Mokoena, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen and Jason Smith.