South Africa have announced their most formidable squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. This series serves as the Proteas’ final opportunity to field their best lineup ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.
While South Africa will participate in a tri-series in Pakistan alongside New Zealand in February 2025, the proximity of those matches to the conclusion of the SA20 league on February 8 may limit the availability of first-choice players.
Star players Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi return to the ODI fold. Notably, 18-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka has earned his maiden ODI call-up. Maphaka was the leading wicket-taker at the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year and showcased speeds of up to 152 kph during the T20I series against Pakistan.
South Africa will miss several players due to injuries, including Anrich Nortje (broken toe), Lungi Ngidi (hip), Gerald Coetzee (groin), Wiaan Mulder (broken finger), and Nandre Burger (back stress fracture).
The batting lineup, led by captain Temba Bavuma, boasts an array of experience with Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen. Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton are options at the top of the order, with Reeza Hendricks dropped following a string of underwhelming performances.
In the bowling department, Rabada leads the attack alongside Ottneil Baartman and Marco Jansen. Spin duties will be shared by Maharaj and Shamsi, who returns to international cricket after a hiatus. Andile Phehlukwayo provides an all-round option to balance the squad.
Following the ODI series, key players like Bavuma, Marco Jansen, Maharaj, and Markram will face a quick turnaround before the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, where South Africa will aim to secure their spot in the World Test Championship final.
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 (wk) |
| Tabraiz Shamsi |
| Rassie van der Dussen |
The post South Africa Name Strong Squad for ODI Series Against Pakistan appeared first on ProPakistani.
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