South Africa announce squads for white-ball series against Afghanistan and Ireland

Proteas white-ball head coach Rob Walter announced the squads for their white-ball tour of the UAE, starting with the ODI series against Afghanistan followed by T20Is and ODIs against Ireland.

All-rounder Andile Simelane has received a maiden call-up and will be a part of all three squads after being a part of both the Emerging and ‘A’ squads recently.

Additionally, all-rounder Jason Smith and spinner Nqaba Peter, both of whom have previously been capped in T20Is, are in line for ODI debuts following their inclusion in the 50-over squad.

The Proteas have received a significant boost with the return of pace bowler Lungi Ngidi, who has fully recovered from a right calf injury and is included in all three squads.

Ngidi has featured in just two T20Is and two Tests since last November. He was part of South Africa's ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad this year as a reserve but did not play a game.

Watch Lungi Ngidi in action in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup:

Temba Bavuma will captain the ODI squads for both the Afghanistan and Ireland series, while Aiden Markram will lead the team in the T20Is.

The ODI squad set to face Afghanistan will depart for the UAE on Saturday, 14 September, in preparation for the series opener on 18 September.

South Africa ODI squad against Afghanistan: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.

South Africa T20I squad against Ireland: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.

South Africa ODI squad against Ireland: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.

Commenting on the selection of the squads, Walter said: “We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months.

“This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027.

“There is no doubt that tours such as these offers us this unique opportunity to provide players with international exposure in differing conditions compared to what they are used to.

“I am particularly looking forward to seeing how some of the more experienced players step up, whilst keeping a close eye on who can grab this opportunity and become more regular within the national set-up.”

Full fixtures:

Against Afghanistan

First ODI: 18 September, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Second ODI: 20 September, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Third ODI: 22 September, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Against Ireland

First T20I: 27 September, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Second T20I: 29 September, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

First ODI: 02 October, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Second ODI: 04 October, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Third ODI: 07 October, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi