On Wednesday (February 5), South Africa announced their squad for the first match of their ODI tri-series against New Zealand and Pakistan, calling up six uncapped players.
The tri-series, a precursor to the Champions Trophy which will be held in Pakistan, begins on February 8 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Lahore. South Africa are scheduled to play the Black Caps in Lahore on February 10, before facing off against the hosts in Karachi.
Why a second-string side?
The timing of this series clashes with the knockouts of the SA20, which South Africa's centrally-contracted players are obliged to take part in. MI Cape Town won Qualifier 1 on Tuesday evening, beating Paarl Royals to qualify for the final.
Read more: What each side needs to answer as the Champions Trophy warm-ups begin
As a result, South Africa have named a second-string 12-player squad for the opening match of the tri-series, with further players to be added once either Sunrisers Eastern Cape or Joburg Super Kings are eliminated tonight.
Six of these 12 players are uncapped in ODIs. Matthew Breetzke has played one Test and 10 T20Is, and Senuran Muthusamy four Tests but none of the others have featured in an international match. All-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana was called up for an ODI series against India in 2023 and a T20I series in 2024, but has not yet played.
Eathan Bosch's brother Corbin made a roaring Test debut against Pakistan, and fast bowler Gideon Peters impressed on his SA20 debut for Pretoria Capitals against Joburg Super Kings last week. The last uncapped player in the squad is 20-year-old wicketkeeper Meeka-eel Prince, who has represented the U19 national team five times.
The other significant news is the return from injury of pacer Gerald Coetzee, who was ruled out of the SA20 last month with a hamstring strain.
South Africa squad for first match of ODI tri-series
Batters: Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke*
Wicketkeepers: Kyle Verrynne, Meeka-eel Prince*
All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana*, Senuran Muthusamy*
Bowlers: Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Gideon Peters*, Eathan Bosch*
*uncapped players
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