Why Zak Foulkes is Not Playing Today in NZ vs SA 2nd T20I?

The New Zealand Cricket Team are up against the South Africa in the second T20I of the ongoing T20I series. The match between the two teams is taking place at Seddon Park, Hamilton, one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world, on Tuesday, March 17.

After losing the first game, New Zealand have been asked to bat first in the second game. The Black Caps, who are being led by Mitchell Santner, have made two changes to their XI in what will be a virtual series decider for them.

New Zealand added Josh Clarkson and Lockie Ferguson to the playing 11. This means that bowling all-rounder, Zak Foulkes, was one of the players who had to make way, leaving fans confused as to why he was benched.

Why Zak Foulkes is Not Playing Today?

NZ pacer Zak Foulkes had to face the unfortunate snub to allow Lockie Ferguson to play the game. Ferguson is the first-choice pacer in the side and with the series on the line, the Black Caps have decided to bring in their experienced player as Zak Foulkes replacement.

Foulkes played a decent hand in the first T20I, however, New Zealand suffered a crushing defeat. He bowled two overs and gave away just 8 runs in the NZ vs SA 2nd T20I, picking up a wicket as well. But his efforts went in vain as Black Caps suffered a 7-wicket loss.

New Zealand had a torrid time in the first T20I against South Africa. The T20 World Cup finalists were all out for just 91, which the Proteas chased down with ease. Both of them have one of the best T20 teams in the world, and the rest of the games are likely to be close ones.

Zak Foulkes Likely to Play Key Role in Upcoming Matches

Zak Foulkes has emerged to become one of the premier pacers in New Zealand's bowling attack across formats. The right-arm fast bowler has an excellent control over his line and length, and is a genuine wicket-taker with the new ball.

With the series being played in New Zealand, he will have a big role to play in the upcoming matches. Apart from his skills with the ball, Foulkes can also contribute with the bat lower down the order.

Before this series, New Zealand had lost to India in the ICC T20 World Cup final at Ahmedabad. However, they have decided to go with a second-string side for this series, just like South Africa.