South Africa head into their second match of the series with confidence after beating Zimbabwe by five wickets on Monday. Today’s encounter will be their first against a side coached by former Proteas white-ball coach Walter.

While South Africa will take momentum from their opening win, they'll be eager to sharpen their batting – particularly at the top of the order after a shaky start against Zimbabwe.

George Linde - Morgan Piek

New Zealand, however, pose a very different challenge. They're always a well-drilled, disciplined side, and this clash might carry a bit of extra edge given Walter’s links to both teams.

Walter stepped down as the Proteas’ white-ball coach earlier this year following the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, where South Africa lost to New Zealand by 50 runs in the semi-finals.

Both teams are using the series to build depth for the future. The Proteas are resting several big-name players, while many of New Zealand’s seasoned campaigners are currently involved in T20 leagues around the world.

The Proteas spinning all-rounder George Linde, who impressed with figures of 3/10 in three overs against Zimbabwe – said many players in the current squad hadn’t played under Walter, so his presence wouldn’t have much of an impact.

“If you look around our squad, there are a lot of new faces,” said Linde.

“So, it’s probably not the full-strength Proteas side – most of the senior guys are being rested. It’s a well-deserved break, especially after the World Test Championship final.

Rob Walter - Morgan Piek

“But there’s plenty of fresh energy in this group. These guys want to perform, they want to make their mark for the Proteas. Everyone brings something different.”

Linde acknowledged that New Zealand remain a top-quality outfit and it should once again be good game between the two teams.

“They’re a world-class team. If you look at their squad, a lot of them have been playing consistently – in county cricket, in the US, and in the IPL. So they’ve been active, and so have we.

“It should be a good contest, and hopefully we can go one up on them.”

Play at the iconic Harare Sports Club is scheduled to get underway at 13:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport