Kolkata, December 12, 2024: South Africa have announced 15-members strong squad for 3 Match ODI Series against Pakistan from December 17-22, 2024.
South Africa will eye this series as preparation for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Though South Africa will play a tri-series in Pakistan, which also includes New Zealand, in February next year, those matches will take place too close to the conclusion of the SA20 on February 8 for a first-choice squad to be available.
None of Anrich Nortje (broken toe), Lungi Ngidi (hip injury), Gerald Coetzee (groin injury), Wiaan Mulder (broken finger) and Nandre Burger (lower back stress fracture) could be considered for selection. As a result of which, South Africa’s leading wicket taker during U19 WC 2024 – Kwena Maphaka is roped into the squad. He showed sparks of great pacer in 1st T20I against Pakistan bowling constantly at 152 Kmph.
Apart from him, the bowling line-up will be spearheaded by premier pacer Kagiso Rabada. Two seam-bowling allrounders in Andile Phehlukwayo and Marco Jansen have been selected, while one other specialist seamer, Ottneil Baartman, and two frontline spinners – Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi – have come in at place of Bjorn Fortuin and Nqaba Peter.
Led by regular skipper Temba Bavuma who returns to ODI after recovering from injury he suffered during Ireland series. It is likely he will be partnered by Ryan Rickelton at the top of the order with Reeza Hendricks, who did not cross 20 in his last five ODIS, dropped. Tony de Zorzi is another top-order option. Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller all give South Africa an experienced and strong batting line-up.
“The bowling line-up features one of the fastest in the game in KG, and this series offers another great opportunity for a young talent like Kwena to come in and learn first-hand from the best,” Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach, said. “In the batting department, we are thrilled to welcome back David and Heinrich, two of the most destructive players in the game. Overall, we are very pleased with this squad.”
South Africa squad for ODI series against Pakistan
Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.
