Strong Proteas take on In-form Blackcaps

Auckland: World Cup memories set to rekindle as strong Proteas take on formidable Kiwis in T20 at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday.

It is ironic that South Africa start their full series in New Zealand with a T20I on Friday at the very ground where they suffered the massive heartbreak in the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup.

New Zealand required 5 from 2 balls when Grant Elliott - a South Africa-born, to give the turn of events that extra twist -- smacked Dale Steyn out of the park to guide New Zealand to their maiden World Cup final.

Two years on, many of the protagonists are not around. Brendon McCullum has quit; Elliott has retired from ODIs and has not played T20Is; and Steyn is nursing a career-threatening injury.

Most of the regular South Africans were absent in their last T20I assignment against Sri Lanka last month where Farhaan Behardien had led a young and inexperienced side to a 1-2 defeat.

Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock are set to resume their roles as openers with birthday boy de Villiers, du Plessis and JP Duminy to follow.

For host, Martin Guptill’s unavailability will be a big blow to the Kiwis. The 20-year-old Auckland opener Glenn Phillips has been drafted in the squad and is expected to play.

Teams from

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips (wk), Luke Ronchi (wk), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ben Wheeler.

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, JP Duminy, David Miller, Imran Tahir, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Match facts
Friday February 17, 2017
Start time 1900 local (0600 GMT)

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

SA finishes as No. 2 after Hamilton Test is drawn [+]

On Tuesday, India had retained the mace and pocketed $1 million following its 2-1 series win over Australia.

Rain forces New Zealand-South Africa Test draw [+]

The final day of the deciding third Test between New Zealand and South Africa was abandoned because and the Proteas win series 1-0.

NZ seize command after SA collapse [+]

South Africa were 80 for five at stumps in their second innings after 175-run deficit on day four of the series-deciding third Test in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Williamson ton drives New Zealand into lead [+]

Williamson equalled the Kiwis record for test centuries as his side reached 321 for four at the close of day three of the third test against South Africa in Hamilton on Monday.

New Zealand solid after de Kock lifts South Africa to 314 [+]

A solid start from New Zealand to finish the day on a high and snatch the advantage even, after de Kock had rallied along with the lower order to take South Africa to 314.

New Zealand Edge Before Rain Force Early Close [+]

South Africa were 123 for four at stumps on a rain-shortened first day of the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday.

Kiwis face Proteas without Key Players [+]

Quinton de Kock fit to play in deciding third Test, but New Zealand will be without Boult, Southee and Taylor.

Maharaj six-for gives SA 1-0 lead [+]

Keshav Maharaj took a career best six wickets as South Africa beat New Zealand by eight wicket and go 1-0 up.

Bavuma and de Kock gives South Africa crucial lead [+]

Bavuma, de Kock fall just short of centuries but South Africa takes 81-run lead at stump on second day.

New Zealand fightback after posted 268 [+]

The Blackcaps take two late wickets to continue fightback after Nicholls ton takes hosts to 268.