Heinrich Klaasen will captain the South Africa team in the T20Is against Pakistan
Wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen will captain South Africa in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, stepping in for Aiden Markram, who is committed to Test duties against Sri Lanka.
Due to the tight turnaround between the Sri Lanka Tests and the T20I series, key players like Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs will also miss the T20I squad.
The second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha will conclude on December 9, provided it lasts the full five days, while the T20I series begins the following day, December 10, in Durban.
These players will return for the three-match ODI series starting on December 17.
Ryan Rickelton, Kwena Maphaka, and Matthew Breetzke, all part of the Test squad against Sri Lanka, will join the T20I squad after the second Test concludes.
Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi also return to the T20I fold, having not played for South Africa since the ICC T20 World Cup in June.
George Linde, who last represented South Africa in a T20I in July 2021, has been included following his impressive performance in the CSA T20 Challenge, where he scored 171 runs at a strike rate of 178.12 and took nine wickets at an average of 18.33.
Shamsi’s participation in the first T20I will depend on his availability for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the ongoing Global Super League in Guyana.
Head coach Rob Walter praised the squad’s experience and balance.
“All 15 players are capped, and we’re looking to build on the experience within the group as we continue to grow as a unit,” said Walter.
“We’ve also given George an opportunity again.
He earned his spot with a strong domestic campaign, and his skills as a spinning all-rounder bring important balance to the team.
We’re also pleased to have Anrich and Tabraiz back.
Their experience and skill bolster both our pace and spin departments, which will be vital against a strong Pakistan side.”
After the series opener in Durban, the remaining two T20Is will be played on December 13 and 14 in Centurion and Johannesburg, respectively.
South Africa T20I Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Heinrich Klaasen (captain) |
| 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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