Kagiso Rabada has made his return for Pakistan ODIs and Anrich Nortje is ruled out
Kagiso Rabada has been included in South Africa’s squad for the ODI series against Pakistan, marking his return to the 50-over format for the first time since playing in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia.
In addition, South Africa have handed Kwena Maphaka his maiden ODI call-up as part of their 15-member squad for the three-match series.
The 18-year-old Maphaka, who has already featured in T20Is for South Africa, was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, where he took 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.
The squad also includes pacers Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, and Andile Phehlukwayo, while Anrich Nortje misses out due to a fractured toe.
Led by Temba Bavuma, the squad also sees the return of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, who last played an ODI against India in December 2023.
Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi are also back, having featured in the same ODI series against India.
With a majority of their frontline players included, South Africa have named a strong squad in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
South Africa ODI squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| 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 |
“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,” said white-ball head coach Rob Walter.
“The bowling line-up features one of the fastest in the game in KG, and this series offers another great opportunity for a young talent like Kwena to come in and learn first-hand from the best.
In the batting department, we are thrilled to welcome back David and Heinrich, two of the most destructive players in the game.
“Overall, 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,” added Walter.
South Africa’s three ODIs against Pakistan will be played on December 17, 19, and 22.
Paarl, Cape Town, and Johannesburg will host the matches respectively.
The third match will be South Africa’s annual Pink Day ODI.
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