Maharaj to lead Proteas in T20 series against New Zealand

February 20, 2026 53

The South African Men’s selection panel has announced the 15-player squad for the five-match T20 International series against New Zealand, set to take place from 15 – 25 March.

Proteas left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, will captain the side which features five uncapped players. New faces include batters Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, and Jordan Hermann, recognized for their consistent performances in domestic T20s, as well as all-rounder Eathan Bosch.

Also included is Dolphins and former SA Under-19 Men’s fast bowler, Nqobani Mokoena. The 19-year- old enjoyed a breakthrough season and finished as one of the leading wicket-takers in the SA20 while playing for the Paarl Royals.

Maharaj is one of three players in the squad currently involved in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, alongside fellow left-arm spinner George Linde and Jason Smith.

Fast bowler, Gerald Coetzee, makes his return to the T20I side for the first time since featuring for the Proteas against Namibia in October 2025, while batter Tony de Zorzi rejoins the squad following recovery from a right hamstring injury.

The series will feature double-headers, with the Proteas Women playing in the afternoon and the men taking the field in the evening across all five matches—a first for South Africa’s senior national teams.

Commenting on the squad, Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad said: “With this series taking place directly after the T20 World Cup, the majority of that squad will return home, which creates a great opportunity for this group of players to step into the international environment and show what they’re about at this level.

“Keshav has experience captaining the Proteas and has led two teams to the SA20 finals. His leadership and calm presence make him the ideal person to lead this group on the tour.”

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

The South African Men’s selection panel has announced the 15-player squad for the outbound five-match T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand from 15 – 25 March.

Proteas left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the side, which features… pic.twitter.com/xAhE9gNLjc

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 20, 2026