New Zealand national cricket team captain James Neesham won the toss and elected to field against Keshav Maharaj-led South Africa national cricket team in the fifth and final T20 International match of the South Africa tour of New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Both teams head into the decider after sharing wins in a closely fought contest. South Africa began the series with a seven-wicket victory, but New Zealand responded with back-to-back wins to take a 2-1 lead. The Proteas levelled the series with a 19-run win in Wellington in the fourth match. The winner of the match will clinch the series.

NZ vs SA 5th Playing XIs

New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver(w), Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham(c), Josh Clarkson, Cole McConchie, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears

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