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New Zealand have suffered another setback ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa, with Tom Latham ruled out due to injury. Tom Blundell has been brought into the squad as a replacement for Latham. This also marks Blundell’s return to T20I cricket for the first time since April 2025, as he joins the team for the match in Wellington.
Latham picked up a thumb injury after being hit by South African fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena during the third T20I at Eden Park on Friday. Even after the blow, he continued to bat and played a strong innings of unbeaten 63, helping New Zealand win the match by eight wickets.
After the game, medical staff checked his thumb, and he later travelled to Christchurch for further scans the next morning. His availability for the fifth T20I will depend on those results.
“Tom Latham has been ruled out of the fourth T20I against South Africa starting this Sunday 22 March in Wellington. Latham was struck on the thumb by South African fast-bowler Nqobani Mokoena during the third T20I, at Eden Park on Friday night. Wellington Firebirds wicketkeeper Tom Blundell comes into the squad as top order batting/wicketkeeper cover,” NZC said in an X post.
With Latham out, James Neesham will lead the side in the fourth T20I. This is the first time in his international career that Neesham will captain New Zealand in T20Is, making him the 12th player to take on this role for the country in the format.
“All-rounder James Neesham will captain the BLACKCAPS for the first time in his career this evening in the fourth KFC T20I against South Africa. Neesham becomes the 12th man to lead the BLACKCAPS in T20Is,” the board wrote in another X post.
Earlier in the series, New Zealand were also hit by injuries to Ish Sodhi and Bevon Jacobs, who were ruled out with a broken thumb and a knee injury, respectively. South Africa are currently leading the five-match series 2-1.
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