South Africa have named a formidable squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with as many as nine changes to the outfit that played against Ireland in October.
SA name full-strength squad
The squad sees the return of Kagiso Rabada, who last played an ODI in the ODI World Cup last year. Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, all of whom also featured in an ODI almost a year ago, have made a comeback as well.
The series will provide the seniors with an opportunity to regroup possibly for the last time ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy. Although South Africa are scheduled to play a tri-series among hosts Pakistan and New Zealand in February next year, the sharp turnaround from SA20 that month might put the participation of first-choice players in doubt.
"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," South Africa's white-ball coach Rob Walter said.
Apart from hosts India, the top-ranked five teams in the ICC Women's Championship will directly qualify for the World Cup next year.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 12, 2024
Pakistan are nowhere in the fray 😲
READ: https://t.co/Qv5M6zIrNr pic.twitter.com/qRxjdayG94
Uncapped Kwena Maphaka called up
Another notable selection is of pacer Kwena Maphaka, who earned his maiden ODI call-up. Having won the Player of the Tournament in the Under-19 World Cup this year with 21 wickets at an average of 9.71, Maphaka has played four T20Is so far. At 18, he became the youngest South African cricketer to make his international debut.
The pace arsenal also features Ottniel Baartman, alongside Andile Phelukwayo and Marco Jansen, who had a stellar outing during the recently concluded home Tests against Sri Lanka.
In a major setback for the hosts, Anrich Nortje was ruled out due to a toe injury.
South Africa squad for Pakistan ODIs
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, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen
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