TOSS: Proteas hand Senuran Muthusamy a T20I debut with Rassie electing to bowl against the Black Caps

Proteas captain Rassie van der Dussen won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second T20I of the ongoing Tri-Series as they take on New Zealand at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

Having played on the same ground in the series opener on Monday, the 36-year-old highlighted that the wicket gets better to bat on, hence the decision to bowl first against the Blackcaps.

"I think the other day it looked like there was a little bit in the wicket. It didn't really change much, but maybe a little bit better (to bat on) at the back end. It's a short boundary today, so why not stick them in and see what they come up with, and then we'll have a go," said Van der Dussen.

"There was something with the new ball, something for the bowlers. There wasn't too much turn, but obviously the longer boundaries bring the bowlers into the game, so there's a little bit of batsmanship there."

Van der Dussen emphasised that they expect a tougher contest against the Black Caps, having had a relatively easy five-wicket victory over the hosts, Zimbabwe, on Monday.

"I think it's a quality (Black Caps) line-up here," he said. "They have some guys arriving today, so there are a few new guys in the squad, but we know the quality they have, so it's going to be a good match."

The Proteas have made three changes in their line-up, having brought in fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka along with spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy for his T20I debut.

Having played the opening match of the series on Monday, leg-spinner Nqaba Peter, and quicks Nandre Burger and Andile Simelane, miss out on the action in Harare on Wednesday.

Proteas Playing XI

Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rassie van der Dussen (capt), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi