Nqobani Mokoena, Jordan Hermann, Connor Esterhuizen, earn maiden national call-ups

Youngsters Nqobani Mokoena, Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen have earned their maiden national call-ups, as Cricket SA's selection panel announced the South Africa 15-player squad for the outbound tour of New Zealand from 15 to 25 March.

Proteas left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the side, which features five uncapped players.

Among the new faces is fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena, batters Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester and Jordan Hermann, who have been rewarded for their consistency in domestic T20s, along with all-rounder Eathan Bosch.

Mokoena, 19, enjoyed a breakthrough season and finished as one of the leading wicket-takers in the Betway SA20 while playing for the Paarl Royals.

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

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 is back in the squad following his recovery from a right hamstring injury.

The series will be played as double-headers, with the Proteas Women taking to the field in the afternoon before the men’s encounter in the evening across all five matches - a first for the senior national teams.

"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," said Conrad.

“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 this tour.

"The batting unit is particularly exciting for this tour. Tony brings experience to the top order, while Connor, Dian and Jordan have all demonstrated the ability to play positive, attacking cricket for their domestic teams.

“Nqobani showed during SA20 that he is an exciting young quick with the ability to make an impact, and this series will give him the perfect opportunity to be exposed to the international setup.

“Touring New Zealand will challenge their skills in different conditions, and playing in our first bilateral double-header series alongside the Proteas Women adds to the excitement.”

Proteas Men’s T20I Squad against New Zealand

Keshav Maharaj (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Eathan Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Nqobani Mokoena, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, and Jason Smith.

Ongama Gcwabe is a prominent sports journalist. Writing for Independent Media as a senior contributor, he is recognised for his expertise in SA cricket.