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South Africa Women are set for a long white-ball tour of New Zealand, which is being seen as a key preparation phase ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
The contest also carries a bit of recent history between the two sides. The last time they met on the biggest stage of the format, Kiwis edged past Proteas in a dramatic fashion to lift their maiden T20 World Cup title in Dubai.
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New Zealand Women looking to build momentum at home
The hosts will be led by star all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who once again carries a big responsibility with both bat and ball. The right-hander has become the center of this New Zealand side, and her all-round performances will be key throughout the series.
Meanwhile, the fit-again Georgia Plimmer is expected to provide stability while the experienced Suzie Bates continues to bring her plenty of experience to the batting unit. The middle order will also feature the reliable Maddy Green, who has displayed several important knocks for the side.
Another key figure will be veteran all-rounder and former captain Sophie Devine, whose ability to contribute in all three departments remains vital for the hosts. In the bowling attack, New Zealand will rely on their pace options and all-round talent to control the game in the middle overs.
Strong South Africa Women eyeing dominance
For the Proteas, this tour is a big opportunity to avenge and move on from the heartbreak of that T20 World Cup final defeat.
The visitors have a very strong squad on paper and will be led by talented Laura Wolvaardt, who is currently ranked among the top batters in the shortest format. Wolvaardt's calm presence at the top will once again be key for the Proteas.
The side also includes the explosive hitting of Chloe Tryon, who can turn games quickly with bat or ball. When it comes to bowling, the experienced pace duo of Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas will lead the attack.
Full series schedule
T20I series
- March 15 – 1st T20I – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Start time: 7:15 AM IST | 1:45 AM GMT | 2:45 PM Local - March 17 – 2nd T20I – Seddon Park, Hamilton
Start time: 7:15 AM IST | 1:45 AM GMT | 2:45 PM Local - March 20 – 3rd T20I – Eden Park, Auckland
Start time: 7:15 AM IST | 1:45 AM GMT | 2:45 PM Local - March 22 – 4th T20I – Sky Stadium, Wellington
Start time: 7:15 AM IST | 1:45 AM GMT | 2:45 PM Local - March 25 – 5th T20I – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Start time: 7:15 AM IST | 1:45 AM GMT | 2:45 PM Local
ODI series
- March 29 – 1st ODI – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Start time: 6:30 AM IST | 1:00 AM GMT | 2:00 PM Local - April 1 – 2nd ODI – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Start time: 3:30 AM IST | 10:00 PM GMT | 11:00 AM Local - April 4 – 3rd ODI – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Start time: 3:30 AM IST | 10:00 PM GMT | 11:00 AM Local
Squads:
New Zealand Women Squad: Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp (wk), Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing, Isabella Gaze (wk), Sophie Devine.
South Africa Women Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dané van Niekerk
Live streaming details
Cricket fans in India will be able to watch the South Africa women's tour of New Zealand matches live on FanCode and SonyLIV.
