NZ vs SA 5th T20I Playing 11: James Neesham-led New Zealand will square off against Keshav Maharaj-led South Africa in the 5th T20I match on March 25 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

The five-match T20I series has been tied with two wins each, and the final game will decide the winner of the series.

Both sides have met on 24 occasions, with the Proteas Men winning 14 times and New Zealand winning 10 times.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl. Speaking at the toss, James Neesham said, “We will bowl first. Not too concerned. It appears to be a fairly even contest. There’s a bit of grass on the pitch, which should help the ball move around early, so that’s a positive.”

“It’s always great to be back at Eden Park. There’s definitely more experience in the group playing here now. We’ve spent a fair bit of time at this venue, and it’s always a fantastic place for cricket.”

“The crowd turns up in numbers and creates a brilliant atmosphere. With the series on the line tonight, it’s an important game, and hopefully we can put on a good show for them. Also, check today’s New Zealand cricket team playing 11 to see their combinations.

Meanwhile, South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj said, “We were actually looking to bat first, taking a bit of a cue from the women’s game played earlier. It looked like the better option, especially if the pitch holds up the way it did, so yeah, batting first was probably the plan.”

“Yeah, it’s definitely useful. You do have to factor in a bit of weather overnight, but generally, the conditions don’t change too much. It gives you a good reference point, especially from a bowling perspective, around the right lines and lengths to hit.”

“And from a batting point of view, it helps you identify scoring areas, whether that’s square of the wicket, through the off side or straight down the ground.” Also, check today’s South Africa cricket team playing 11 to see their combinations.

NZ vs SA 5th T20I Playing 11

New Zealand Playing 11: Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver(w), Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham(c), Josh Clarkson, Cole McConchie, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears

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), Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman