2026 NZ vs SA 3rd T20I Playing 11: Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand will square off against Keshav Maharaj-led South Africa in the 3rd T20I match on March 20 at Eden Park, Auckland.

After South Africa secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory, New Zealand bounced back with a 68-run victory, levelling the series 1-1. Both sides will be aiming for a win in the clash to extend the lead in the five-match series.

Both sides have met on 22 occasions, where the Proteas Men have 13 wins while New Zealand has 9 wins.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl. Speaking on the toss, Mitchell Santner said, “We will bowl first. It looks like a good wicket. A little bit of grass and there will be some extra bounce as well. We want to restrict them to a low total.

(On the seamers) Yeah, the wicket looks good. Traditionally, here you get more bounce. So, we will see if it’s the case tonight or not.”

While speaking today, New Zealand cricket team’s playing 11, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said, “We have got 1 change. Josh Clarkson makes way for BJ Jacobs.”

(On the peculiar shape of the ground) It is huge for prep. Straight boundaries are very small. Batting first will help us understand the right lengths to bowl here. We want to bounce back from the last game. The character of the boys will come through today.

Lutho Sipamla replaces Baartman in today’s South African cricket team playing 11.

2026 NZ vs SA 3rd T20I Playing 11

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

South Africa Playing 11: Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen(w), Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj(c), Win MokoenaNothing Sipamla