South Africa vs New Zealand 1st T20I Predicted XI: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as New Zealand takes on South Africa in the opening T20I of their five-match series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
New Zealand brings a surge of momentum into the series, having concluded the T20 World Cup 2026 as finalists and, more impressively, having toppled South Africa in the semifinals.
Toss: The match toss between South Africa and New Zealand will take place at 11:15 AM IST.
Time: March 15, 11:45 AM IST
Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Where To Watch South Africa vs New Zealand Match Live In India?
Cricket fans can catch the New Zealand-South Africa series live on Sony Sports Network, with simultaneous streaming available on the Sony LIV app and website.
South Africa vs New Zealand 1st T20 Predicted XI, Bay Oval Pitch Report:
Bay Oval's compact dimensions and average-sized boundaries favour batters, while the wicket's good bounce and speed will aid fast bowlers early on.
South Africa vs New Zealand 1st T20 Predicted XIs
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Katene D Clarke, Bevon Jacobs, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears.
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann (wk), Connor Esterhuizen, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nqobani Mokoena.
South Africa vs New Zealand Squads
South Africa Squad: Tony de Zorzi, Jason Smith, Jordan Hermann, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Connor Esterhuizen(w), Prenelan Subrayen, Dian Forrester, Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj(c), Lutho Sipamla, Rubin Hermann, Andile Simelane, Nqobani Mokoena.
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway(w), Tim Robinson, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner(c), Bevon Jacobs, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Ben Sears, Katene D Clarke, Jayden Lennox, Zakary Foulkes.