Almost after 2 years, the South African squad under the leadership of Faf du Plessis are all set to settle scores with New Zealand in the 3-match T20I series. The Proteas and the Blackcaps will be playing their first game of the series on February 17 at Eden Park stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. The live cricket streaming of the match is not available in India. The live streaming of the match for other countries will be available on OSN Play, Foxtel Go and SKY GO.
In the recently concluded series between South Africa and Sri Lanka held on South African soil, the hosts whitewashed the Sri Lankan guests by 5-0 in the ODI series while lost again them in the following T20 by 2-1.
On the other hand, New Zealand have beaten Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Australia at home in the current season and are ready to welcome the Proteas.
Last time, both the teams faced each other in the semi-final of the World Cup 2015 played at Auckland’s Eden Park in which South Africa lost by four wickets and yet another time, their dream to lift the World Cup ruined there itself. Surprisingly, it’s after 2 years that both the teams will face each other on the same ground and it will be interesting to watch the battle which will be fought with keeping the old memories in mind.
Weather: As far as the weather is concerned, rain disturbed the last day of the practice session and also lashed out the warm up match. So it could be expected that the first game might be affected.
Team News: Kiwi opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out for the series due to injuries and 20-yer-old Phillips will be replacing him. With this change, the batting position of Kane Williamson will be confined withing no. 3 or 5. South Africa will make a late decision over the fitness of David Miller after the finger injury he picked up against Sri Lanka. If he is fit to play it would likely mean Farhaan Behardien, who captained South Africa in their previous series, missing out.
On the other hand, the South African team will decide later after evaluating the fitness status of David Miller who sustained injuries in his finger against Sri Lanka. If he is declared fit then Farhaan Behardien would be benched by the coach and the skipper.
Squad:
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Glenn Phillips, Colin Munro, Tom Bruce, Corey Anderson, Colin de Grandhomme, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ben Wheeler, Tim Southee, Trent Boult
South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis (capt), JP Duminy, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir
