Heinrich Klaasen will lead the South African squad. In the Absence of Aiden Markram, Klaasen has been named as the captain for the T20 series against Pakistan. The series will mark the return of Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi, along with fresh talent George Linde.
Klaasen will lead South Africa in T.20Is Against Pakistan
Heinrich Klaasen was named as the new captain for South Africa, In the absence of Aiden Markram. The T20Is is going to start from December 10.
Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Tristan Stubbs will miss the series.
These key players are involved in the Test series against Sri Lanka.
These prominent names will join the squad for the ODI series against Pakistan, a critical preparation for the Champions Trophy.
Anrich Nortje and Tabaraiz Shamsi are going to make a comeback to the T20I setup after a hiatus since the T20 World Cup.
“Anrich is very much in line for the Champions Trophy,” South Africa’s white-ball head coach Rob Walter said. “He has a lot of experience so playing lots of 50-over cricket is not necessary. Before that, he will be very active in the SA20 and in this series. I am not worried about him from a playing point of view. He is not a young cricketer, he understands his game. There’s enough cricket between now and then for him to be selected.”
All-rounder George Linde, who impressed in the CSA T20 Challenge, has also earned a spot. White-ball coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in Nortje’s readiness for future competitions, including the Champions Trophy.
George Linde, the stellar performer at the CSA T20 challenge, has also earned a spot.
Rob Walter , white-ball coach expressed his confidence in Nortjes readiness.
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Key Players and Preparations
The South Africa team blends experience with fresh talent. All-rounder George Linde’s dual role as a spinning all-rounder offers flexibility.
Walter highlighted Andile Simelane’s potential, emphasising the importance of providing hik opportunities to evolve.
“I’m very excited about Andile. He has got some wonderful attributes. The first ball he faced in international cricket he hit out of Kingsmead. He has got some power with the bat, he took some key wickets, he has a wonderful overall skill set that is still in its infancy. We want to keep giving him opportunities, keep growing his game.”
Preparations begin with a camp in Pretoria, with the team moving to Durban for the first T20I, followed by matches in Centurion and Johannesburg.
This series marks a crucial phase for South Africa, aiming to end their winless streak in bilateral series under Walter’s leadership.
South Africa T20I squad for Pakistan series
- Heinrich Klaasen (capt)
- Ottneil Baartman
- Matthew Breetzke
- Donovan Ferreira
- Reeza Hendricks
- Patrick Kruger
- George Linde
- Kwena Maphaka
- David Miller
- Anrich Nortje
- Nqaba Peter
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Andile Simelane
- Rassie van der Dussen
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