Albie Morkel could miss the start of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup with a back injury.

The 31-year-old was forced to leave the field during South Africa's friendly encounter with New Zealand earlier today because of spasms.

As a result, team manager Mohammed Moosajee has conceded that the bowler may miss his side's opening match of the tournament against Zimbabwe on Thursday.

"He first felt the pain when he hit the six while he was batting, but he thought that it was something minor," said Moosajee. "He aggravated it while he was bowling and came off as a precautionary measure to receive treatment from our physio, Brandon Jackson.

"We will see how he does overnight, if he doesn't improve substantially by tomorrow morning he will have to have an MRI scan."

Albie is the brother of teammate Morne.