NZ vs SA 2026: Injured Latham ruled out of Wellington T20I; James Neesham to lead

New Zealand's stand-in skipper Tom Latham has been ruled out of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Wellington, with wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell, who last played the format in April  2025, called up as cover. 

Latham copped a blow on his finger (thumb) by a Nqobani Mokoena delivery in the third T20I at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday, March 20. Despite the injury, he carried on and scored an unbeaten 63 off 55 with seven fours and two sixes in New Zealand's eight-wicket win. 

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Latham's thumb was initially assessed by the medical staff after the conclusion of the match before he was flown to Christchurch for scans. 

Latham was set to lead the Black Caps as Mitchell Santner was included in the squad for the first three matches. In addition to Santner, a number of other players, who were part of the T20 World Cup squad, were rotated and rested in the series as part of workload management. New Zealand have a tight schedule ahead, with a tour of Bangladesh lined up in April and May, which will be followed by away series against England and West Indies.

In Latham's absence, all-rounder James Neesham will lead the hosts. Latham's participation in the fifth and final T20I of the series, to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 25, will be subjected to the result of his scans. 

Meanwhile, this will be the first time for Neesham that he will be leading the side, becoming the 12th player to captain New Zealand in T20Is. 

New Zealand lead the series 2-1 with two wins on the trot after losing the series-opener in Mount Maunganui by seven wickets. They bounced back with a 68-run win in Hamilton before taking the lead courtesy of an eight-wicket win in Auckland.