South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match: New Zealand and South Africa will face off in the decisive fifth T20 International at Hagley Oval on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The five-match series is level at 2-2 as both teams heading into the finale after trading wins in a tightly contested contest. South Africa opened strongly with a seven-wicket victory, but New Zealand responded with back-to-back wins to take a 2-1 lead. The Proteas, however, forced a decider with a 19-run victory in Wellington in the fourth match.

Match Details

• Match: New Zealand vs South Africa, 5th T20I
• Series: South Africa tour of New Zealand, 2026
• Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
• Time: 11:45 a.m. 
• Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Weather Forecast and Pitch Report

Conditions in Christchurch are expected to be cool, around 15 degrees Celsius, with minimal chances of rain. A full match is likely. The Hagley Oval surface typically offers early assistance to fast bowlers with bounce and movement, while batting becomes easier as the game progresses. Scores of 160 or more are considered competitive.

Squads:

New Zealand Squad: Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver(w), Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham(c), Cole McConchie, Josh Clarkson, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Jayden Lennox, Nathan Smith, Tom Blundell

South Africa Squad: Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen(w), Rubin Hermann, Dian Forrester, Jason Smith, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj(c), Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman, Andile Simelane, Nqobani Mokoena, Lutho Sipamla

Probable XIs:

Both sides will be without several key players for the decider. New Zealand will miss Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham, Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson, while South Africa are without Jordan Hermann and Eathan Bosch.

New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham (c), Josh Clarkson, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith

South Africa: Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c), Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman

Broadcast Details

The match will be televised live on the Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming will be available on SonyLIV and FanCode.