For the 24th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the New Zealand cricket team will be up against South Africa in a high-voltage match. Both of the teams are the favourites to qualify for the next round from Group D.
Ahead of the match, both of the teams have claimed a pair of wins. South Africa will face the Kiwis after a nail-biting contest with Afghanistan. The South Africa vs. Afghanistan match concluded after two super overs. The Proteas showed their nerves in the match. New Zealand is yet to face a tough challenge, which could be their next fixture with the South Africa cricket team.
This article provides the probable playing XIs for New Zealand vs. South Africa for the 24th match of the World Cup clash in 2026. This article includes the likely player combinations and crucial players to watch out for at the spin-friendly track of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
New Zealand Playing XI vs SA—T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert
On the batting-friendly surface of the Narendra Modi Stadium, these two batters can be explosive against the South African bowlers. The combination of Allen and Seifert, on paper, is one of the most dangerous opening combinations in the tournament.
Middle-order: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner.
The off form of Rachin Ravindra remains as a constant headache for the team. All-rounder Mitchell Santner is mostly known for his bowling, not batting. The middle order of the New Zealand side is mostly dependent on Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman. Someone among these three batters will have to stand tall against South Africa.
Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry.
The injury of Michael Bracewell is a massive blow for the team. In place of the spin bowling allrounder, they may find a replacement on paper but may not be able to match the quality. If we only consider the spin bowling part, then Ish Sodhi is with the team to do the job.
New Zealand Probable Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry.
South Africa Playing XI vs NZ—T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock.
Quinton de Kock is in form, unlike Aiden Markram. Markram needs to show his true potential on the ground in the T20 World Cup 2026. This opening pair is enough to take away any match in their days.
Middle-order: Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen.
Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen all contributed to South Africa’s victories in the previous two games. Dewald Brevis has yet to put on his best performance. The off form of Brevis is the only loophole in the batting order.
Bowlers: George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi.
The experienced bowling line-up, supported by Marco Jansen, has been doing well as a unit. Maharaj and Linde, two spinners, had a very tough day against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad. They should revive their confidence ahead of the New Zealand match. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will put all their efforts to damage the Kiwi batting line-up as soon as possible in the match.
South Africa Probable Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi.
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