{"id":36395,"date":"2026-02-20T18:40:52","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=36395"},"modified":"2026-02-20T18:40:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:40:52","slug":"maharaj-to-lead-proteas-in-t20-series-against-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2026\/02\/20\/maharaj-to-lead-proteas-in-t20-series-against-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"Maharaj to lead Proteas in T20 series against New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image credit: Backpagepix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The South African Men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Also included is Dolphins and former SA Under-19 Men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Maharaj is one of three players in the squad currently involved in the ICC Men\u2019s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, alongside fellow left-arm spinner George Linde and Jason Smith.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014a first for South Africa\u2019s senior national teams.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the squad, Proteas Men\u2019s 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\u2019re about at this level.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

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SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT \ud83d\udea8<\/p>\n

The South African Men\u2019s selection panel has announced the 15-player squad for the outbound five-match T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand from 15 – 25 March.<\/p>\n

Proteas left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the side, which features\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/xAhE9gNLjc<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n