New Zealand vs South Africa 3rd T20I Preview

Here are the Predictions for South Africa Tour of New Zealand 2026, 3rd T20I Match - New Zealand vs South Africa, to be played on the 20th of March at the Eden Park, Auckland.

Match Prediction - New Zealand v South Africa

3rd T20I Match - New Zealand vs South Africa (Eden Park, Auckland)

Ground Stat:

Average First Innings Total at Eden Park, Auckland (Mens T20I's) - 160

Average Second Innings Total at Eden Park, Auckland (Men's T20I's) - 150

Batting Stats T20I

Current Form New Zealand and South Africa:

New Zealand have won the Second T20I Match of the series by 68 runs to equalize the series at 1-1 with 3 more games to go.

The top run scorer for South Africa in the T20I Series is Connor Esterhuizen with 53 runs to his name.

The top wicket taker for South Africa in the T20I Series is Gerald Coetzee with 3 scalps under his belt.

The top run scorer for New Zealand in the T20I Series is Devon Conway with 61 runs to his name.

The top wicket taker for New Zealand in the T20I Series is Mitchell Santner with 3 scalps under his belt.

In the Second T20I Match, New Zealand batted first and they posted a total of 175 for 6 in 20 overs. Tom Latham and Tim Robinson failed twice in a row and got out cheap scores. It was Devon Conway, who finally stepped up for the Kiwis, scoring 60 runs off 49 balls. Nick Kelly and Mitchell Santner also scored some quick runs down the order. A real boost to the innings was provided by Josh Clarkson, who smashed 26 runs off just 9 balls to help New Zealand get to a competitive total of 175 in 20 overs of play.

During the chase, South Africa lost their way right from the outset. They were reduced to 67 for 5 in the 11th over itself. George Linde fought hard but he didn't find enough support from the other batters. Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears picked up 3 wickets each as South Africa were bowled out for a paltry 107, losing the match by 68 runs.

Wicket Takers T20I

Let’s have a look at the squads:

New Zealand Squad (First 3 T20Is):

Mitchell Santner (c), Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wk), Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.

South Africa Squad

Keshav Maharaj (c), 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.

Cricket Match Predictions* - PrePlay

Who will win the toss? – New Zealand

Who will win? – New Zealand

Top Batter (Runs Scored) – Nick Kelly (New Zealand), Rubin Hermann (South Africa)

Top Bowler (Wickets taken) - Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)

Most Sixes – Nick Kelly (New Zealand), Jason Smith (South Africa)

Player of the Match – Nick Kelly (New Zealand)

Team Scores Batting first – South Africa 165+, New Zealand 175+

Match Handicap : New Zealand

Live Cricket Streaming South Africa Tour of New Zealand, 2026 - The live cricket streaming page which enables you to watch live cricket - Geo-restrictions apply

*NB these predictions may be changed nearer the start of the match once the final starting teams have been announced and we will be running ‘In-Play’ features, so stay tuned.

Also, the predictions and picks are formulated from the stats and information sourced and compiled from AI and Stats experts - Always remember, when the fun stops… STOP

© Cricket World 2026

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