South Africa will face New Zealand in a crucial Group D encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams enter the contest unbeaten, having won their first two fixtures. South Africa registered convincing victories over Afghanistan and Canada, while New Zealand defeated Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. With momentum on both sides, this contest could play a key role in determining the group standings and momentum heading into the knockout stages.
Here are the predicted playing XI for Match 24:
South Africa:
Top Order: Aiden Markam (Ct), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton
South Africa’s batting will revolve around captain Aiden Markram, who has scored 1,744 runs in 71 T20Is and recently notched up a fifty against Canada. Quinton de Kock remains one of the most dangerous openers in T20 cricket, having amassed 2,998 runs in 104 matches, including a fluent 59 against Afghanistan earlier in the tournament. Ryan Rickelton provides solidity at the top, with 607 runs in 23 matches and a notable 61 against Afghanistan.
Middle Order: Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs
Dewald Brevis has accumulated 519 runs in 24 games and is known for his aggressive stroke play. David Miller, the experienced finisher, has scored 2,691 runs in 135 T20Is. Tristan Stubbs, with 867 runs in 46 matches brings acceleration in the middle overs.
Lower Middle Order: Marco Jansen, George Linde
Marco Jansen offers balance with both bat and ball, having scored 211 runs and taken 25 wickets in 26 games. George Linde strengthened the all-round department further, contributing 303 runs and 32 wickets in 30 T20Is.
Bowler: Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada
South Africa’s bowling attack looks formidable. Kagiso Rabada has taken 80 wickets in 74 matches, while Lungi Ngidi has 85 wickets in 59 games. Keshav Maharaj leads the spin department with 44 wickets in 45 matches.
New Zealand:
Top Order: Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra
Tim Seifert has scored 2,107 runs in 83 T20Is and already has two fifties in this World Cup. Finn Allen, known for explosive starts, has 1,450 runs in 55 matches and smashed an unbeaten 84 against the UAE. Rachin Ravindra adds stability with 630 runs in 45 matches.
Middle Order: Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell
Glenn Phillips has scored 2,146 runs in 90 matches, while Mark Chapman has 2,008 runs in 106 games. Daryl Mitchell has contributed 1,824 runs in 97 matches, and all three contributed with useful knocks against Afghanistan.
Lower Middle Order: Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham
Captain Mitchell Santner has scored 970 runs and taken 136 wickets in 129 matches, providing crucial all-round value. James Neesham has 1,010 runs and 56 wickets in T20Is.
Bowler: Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Matt Henry has 46 wickets in 36 matches, Lockie Ferguson has 69 in 46 games, and Jacob Duffy has taken 61 wickets in 45 matches, forming a strong pace trio for the Black Caps.
South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 squad:
Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs
New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad:
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Cole McConchie, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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