NZ vs SA 1st T20I Playing 11: Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand will square off against Keshav Maharaj-led South Africa in the 1st T20I match on March 15 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

Both sides are set to clash once again after the completion of the T20 World Cup. Last time they met on semi finals stages of the marquee event, where the Blackcaps secured a win to advance to the finals.

With most of the stars are resting, young talents are set to take the stage. Both sides have met on 20 occasions, where the Proteas Men have 12 wins while New Zealand has 8 wins.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat. Speaking on the toss, Mitchell Santner said, “We are batting first. Looks like a pretty good wicket. It is a used wicket. Good to be back in front of a big crowd. Big five games coming up. We know the depth of South Africa’s squad. It should be a good series. Thank you.”

Nick Kelly has been named in today New Zealand cricket team’s playing 11 and will be making T20I debut for the kiwis.

Meanwhile, South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj said, “We were also looking to bat first. But it looks like a good wicket nonetheless. So, hopefully we can restrict them and later chase the score down.

(On playing in New Zealand) It is a wonderful atmosphere (at the ground), more family oriented. It is my first time in Mount Maunganui. Looking to enjoy.”

while speaking on the today South Africa cricket team playing 11, Maharaj said, “(On new faces in the team) Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Nqobani Mokoena… These are guys who have shown a lot of promise and grabbed their opportunities. There are a lot of guys who have been around the domestic circuit for a number of years. Expect a lot excitement and buzz around the field.

(On the SA-NZ rivalry) Always been good rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand across sports. It is a new start, new cycle. You have to dust yourself and move forward.

NZ vs SA 1st T20I Playing 11

New Zealand Playing 11: Devon Conway, Tom Latham(w), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Zakary Foulkes, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears

South Africa Playing 11: Connor Esterhuizen(w), Jordan Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj(c), Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman