The national selectors have handed the in-form North West Dragons all-rounder his first opportunity at the highest level of international cricket, rewarding a string of consistent performances on the domestic circuit for both the Knights and the Dragons over the past three seasons. Forrester is one of five uncapped players included in the 15-man group, signalling a clear investment in emerging talent.

Experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the side, bringing leadership stability to a squad brimming with fresh energy.

Dian Forrester. Photo: Morgan Piek

Forrester’s inclusion comes alongside fellow new caps Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Eathan Bosch and teenage fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena. While each has impressed domestically, Forrester’s ability to play with intent and adapt to different situations has made him one of the standout selections.

Mokoena, just 19, arrives on the back of a breakthrough SA20 campaign with the Paarl Royals, where he finished among the leading wicket-takers, underlining the selectors’ focus on players performing on the biggest local stages. There is also a solid blend of experience in the squad. 

Maharaj is joined by fellow spinner George Linde and all-rounder Jason Smith, both of whom remain in the broader ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 setup. Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee returns after his last appearance against Namibia in October 2025, while Tony de Zorzi is back from injury to bolster the batting line-up.

Forrester’s call-up, in particular, reflects a broader shift towards building depth in South African cricket. With several senior players returning home after World Cup duty, this tour offers newcomers a rare opportunity to stake a claim on the international stage.

Head coach Shukri Conrad told OFM Sport that Forrester has impressed at the domestic level, and this is certainly an opportunity the young player, who started his career in Bloemfontein, deserves.

“Dian has done particularly well. He’s been part of our high-performance programme and carried that form into the SA20, where he really impressed,” said Conrad.

Dian Forrester. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re always looking to build depth, especially in our all-rounder pool, and he offers a lot as a tall left-hander. He hasn’t bowled much during the SA20, but that’s definitely an area we’re looking to develop further.

“I’m really thrilled for him; he’s put in the performances and fully deserves this call-up.” The tour will also mark a historic first, with all five fixtures scheduled as double-headers alongside the Proteas Women, an innovative approach that adds further significance to the series.

For Forrester, it’s more than just a selection; it’s the start of a potential international journey, and a chance to translate domestic promise into performances on one of cricket’s toughest overseas stages.

Proteas squad for New Zealand - Keshav Maharaj (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Eathan Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Nqobani Mokoena, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, and Jason Smith

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh