South Africa name strong squad for Pakistan ODIs
Led by Temba Bavuma, South Africa have named a strong 15-player squad for the ODI series against Pakistan.
The squad has Kagiso Rabada returning to South Africa ODI side for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, and David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen in the outfit for the first time since December 2023.
This is also the first-ever time that talented youngster Kwena Maphaka has been named a part of South Africa ODI side. The 18-year-old, already capped in T20Is, showed immense promise having been named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year after taking 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.
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The pace department also features Ottneil Baartman, alongside all-rounders Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo.
South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter called it a strong outfit which had been picked with Champions Trophy in the mind,
“We have named our strongest squad available, with each player capable of being a match-winner on their day, and we are extremely excited to see how this group performs together.
“We are very pleased with this squad. This series will be crucial in fine-tuning our combinations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
A major name missing from the squad is that of Anrich Nortje, who was ruled out with a toe injury.
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Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen
Schedule:
17 December, 1st ODI, Paarl
19 December, 2nd ODI, Cape Town
22 December, 3rd ODI, Johannesburg