NZ vs SA: Why did Mitchell Santner & Tom Latham miss 4th T20I?
The venue of NZ vs SA 4th T20I is Sky Stadium in Wellington.
New Zealand and South Africa are clashing in the 4th T20I on Sunday, March 22 at Sky Stadium in Wellington. With the Black Caps leading the five-match series 2-1, the NZ vs SA 4th T20I must-win clash for South Africa to keep their hopes of series victory alive.
South Africa made a brilliant start to the series by winning the opening game by seven wickets. However, the Black Caps made a wonderful comeback in the next two matches, winning the second T20I by 68 runs and the third encounter by eight wickets.
In the fourth T20I, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. Interestingly, James Neesham arrived at the toss instead of Mitchell Santner. Moreover, Tom Latham was also absent from the game. Fans were surprised to see Neesham leading New Zealand in the clash as he is not the captain or vice-captain in T20Is.
Why are Mitchell Santner & Tom Latham not part of NZ vs SA 4th T20I?
Notably, Mitchell Santner was the captain in the first three games but was rested for the last two games. Latham was supposed to lead New Zealand in his absence. However, he picked up a thumb injury in the previous game while batting.
The injury ruled him out of the 4th T20I and Neesham was named the captain. Moreover, debutant Katene Clarke was picked as a replacement in the playing XI in Latham’s absence.
Speaking at the toss, Neesham said: “Obviously an honour (leading the team), something you reflect on later and probably after your career. Happy to do whatever the team requires.”
New Zealand’s Playing XI: Tim Robinson, Katene D 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.
Who is leading New Zealand in NZ vs SA 4th T20I?
James Neesham is leading New Zealand in the encounter.
Why is Mitchell Satner not part of NZ vs SA 4th T20I?
Mitchell Santner is rested for the encounter.
Why is Tom Latham not playing 4th T20I vs South Africa?
Latham was ruled out of the match due to a thumb injury.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.