South Africa ask New Zealand to field as both sides ring in the changes

Katene Clarke is on his international debut with many seniors rested for New Zealand; Prenelan Subrayen comes in to join Keshav Maharaj and George Linde in the spin attack for South Africa

Firdose Moonda

Published: Mar 22, 2026, 6:08 AM (3 hrs ago)

Toss South Africa chose to bat vs New Zealand

A new-look New Zealand side will chase in the fourth T20I against South Africa, who opted to put runs on the board first in Wellington. New Zealand are without Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson and regular captain Mitchell Santner, who have been rested from the last two matches. Stand-in skipper Tom Latham was also ruled out after being hit on the thumb in game three.

Jimmy Neesham takes over the leadership duties while Dane Cleaver has been brought in to keep wicket. New Zealand also have a new opening pair in Tim Robinson and Katene Clarke, on debut, and Zak Foulkes comes into the XI in Ferguson's place.

South Africa have a new cap in offspin-bowling allrounder Prenelan Subrayen, as they opted for an extra spinner in place of one of their seamers. Subrayen joins Keshav Maharaj and George Linde in a three-pronged seam attack. Nqobani Mokoena, their most impressive quick so far, has been rested alongside Lutho Sipamla, while Ottneil Baartman comes back into the team. South Africa have stuck with their makeshift opening pair of Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder.

New Zealand lead the five-match contest 2-1, while earlier their women's team sealed the series against South Africa 3-1 with a game to spare.

New Zealand: 1 Tim Robinson, 2 Katene Clarke, 3 Dane Cleaver (wk), 4 Nick Kelly, 5 Bevon Jacobs, 6 Jimmy Neesham (capt), 8 7 Josh Clarkson, 8 Cole McConchie, 9 Zak Foulkes, 10 Kyle Jamieson, 10 Ben Sears

South Africa: 1 Tony de Zorzi, 2 Wiaan Mulder, 3 Connor Esterhuizen (wk), 4 Rubin Hermann, 5 Jason Smith, 6 Dian Forrester, 7 George Linde, 8 Gerald Coetzee, 9 Keshav Maharaj (capt), 10 Prenalen Subrayen, 11 Ottneil Baartman

Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo's correspondent for South Africa and women's cricket

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