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South Africa has named a full-strength squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, providing a crucial opportunity for the team to play together before next year’s Champions Trophy. With a tri-series against New Zealand in Pakistan scheduled for February, the timing of those matches—too close to the end of the SA20 season—means that […]
South Africa has named a full-strength squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, providing a crucial opportunity for the team to play together before next year’s Champions Trophy. With a tri-series against New Zealand in Pakistan scheduled for February, the timing of those matches—too close to the end of the SA20 season—means that South Africa will likely not have their first-choice squad available.
Nine players have been added to the squad that last faced Ireland in the UAE, with key returns from Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi, all of whom have not played in an ODI for nearly a year. Their inclusion adds significant experience and depth to the team, especially as South Africa gears up for the high-profile Champions Trophy next year.
Notably, 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is the only uncapped player in the squad. Maphaka’s inclusion is a testament to his impressive performances, including being the leading wicket-taker at the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year and his strong showing in the T20I series against Pakistan. His selection highlights South Africa’s commitment to blending youth and experience in their preparations for the upcoming international challenges.
Dec 17 – 1st ODI, Paarl
Dec 19 – 2nd ODI, Cape Town
Dec 22 – 3rd ODI, Johannesburg
Eighteen-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, the only uncapped player in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, has earned his spot through impressive performances. Maphaka was the leading wicket-taker at this year’s Under-19 World Cup, played in the 50-over format, and has also showcased his speed, reaching up to 152kph during the T20I series against Pakistan. His inclusion comes as several fast bowlers, including Anrich Nortje (broken toe), Lungi Ngidi (hip injury), Gerald Coetzee (groin injury), Wiaan Mulder (broken finger), and Nandre Burger (lower back stress fracture), are unavailable due to injury.
The squad will be captained by Temba Bavuma, who has made a successful recovery from an injury he sustained during an ODI against Ireland in October. Bavuma is expected to open the batting alongside Ryan Rickelton, with Reeza Hendricks, who has struggled in recent ODIs, being dropped. Tony de Zorzi is also a top-order option. South Africa’s middle order is packed with experienced players, including Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller, giving the team strong batting depth.
In addition to Maphaka’s exciting inclusion, the squad boasts a balance of youth and experience. With a powerful batting lineup and strong leadership, South Africa is well-positioned for the upcoming series against Pakistan, especially as they prepare for next year’s Champions Trophy. The series provides a valuable opportunity for both young talents like Maphaka and established players to make their mark before more crucial tournaments ahead.
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South Africa has selected two seam-bowling allrounders, Andile Phehlukwayo and Marco Jansen, for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, alongside specialist seamer Ottneil Baartman and frontline spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. Shamsi’s recall is significant after he opted out of a national contract in October for greater flexibility with league commitments and missed the T20I series against India. He returns for the Pakistan series, while Bjorn Fortuin and Nqaba Peter make way.
“We have one of the fastest bowlers in the world in Kagiso Rabada, and this series presents a great opportunity for young talent like Kwena Maphaka to learn from the best,” said Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach. “In the batting department, it’s exciting to welcome back David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, two of the most destructive players in the game. We’re very pleased with the squad we’ve assembled.”
After the ODI series, several players—including Bavuma, de Zorzi, Jansen, Maharaj, Markram, Rabada, Stubbs, and Rickelton—will have a four-day turnaround before the start of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. South Africa needs one more Test win to secure a spot in next year’s World Test Championship final.
Temba Bavuma (capt), 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
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