New Zealand cricketers face double-header showdown with South Africa

The Black Caps and White Ferns will take on their South African rivals as part of a double-header at Bay Oval on Sunday, March 15. Photo / Photosport

International cricket returns to Mount Maunganui this weekend as New Zealand’s men’s and women’s teams prepare to face South Africa in a double-header at Bay Oval.

The Black Caps and White Ferns will take on South Africa on Sunday, March 15, giving Bay of Plenty cricket fans plenty of international action at the Mount Maunganui venue.

The back-to-back action will begin at 2.45pm with the White Ferns facing the Proteas women before the Black Caps meet South Africa’s men’s side at 7.15pm.

The Black Caps T20 squad is set to feature eight players from the World Cup, including Mitchell Santner. Photo / Supplied

For the White Ferns, the clash presents another opportunity to build momentum against a competitive South African side. South Africa have been one of the most improved teams in the women’s game in recent years and will provide a stern test.

The Black Caps, meanwhile, finished runners-up in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, losing the final to India by 96 runs after being bowled out for 159 as they tried to surpass the winner’s 255-5.

In the semi-final, New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets, with opener Finn Allen smashing a record-fast T20 World Cup century (100 off 33 balls). Tim Seifert also scored 58 in the chase.

Earlier this year they also won an ODI series in India for the first time.

The Black Caps will be looking to find strong home form for the start of the five-match T20 series against South Africa in front of what is traditionally a lively Mount crowd. The squad is set to feature eight Black Caps from the World Cup, including Mitchell Santner.

Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen said the squad for South Africa reflected the balance between looking after those returning from India and planning for the future. “We’ve certainly had to be pragmatic in selecting this squad,” Larsen said.

“We’re lucky to have strong depth across the different skill sets, which has afforded us the opportunity to rest a few players and introduce some others.

“That provides an excellent opportunity for many to stake their claim for regular inclusion in the T20 team moving forward as we begin a new World Cup cycle.”

Larsen said the Proteas would provide a stern challenge to finish the home side’s international summer.

“It’s a great opportunity for Kiwi fans to see many of our guys back on the park so quickly after the World Cup and I know those in the squad are looking forward to playing in front of their home crowd again.”

Event organisers said the event format offers fans a full day of cricket entertainment, big hits, fierce rivalries and summer vibes, with two international matches for the price of one ticket.

The T20i showdown also highlights the growing profile of the women’s game, placing the White Ferns and Proteas women on the same stage as the men’s international fixture.

Gates open at 1.45pm, with organisers encouraging fans to arrive early for the double-header.

TVNZ+, TVNZ 1 and Sport Nation will be the free-to-air host broadcasters for the five-match T20 series against South Africa, with the Alternative Commentary Collective covering Black Caps matches via its digital channels.