SA vs PAK: South Africa squad announced for ODI series against Pakistan
South Africa on Thursday announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. The three-match ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan will start on December 17. This series is important for South Africa as it will be their last chance to prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025.
SA vs PAK: South Africa squad announced for ODI series against Pakistan
South Africa's important fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned after a long time. Rabada played his last ODI match in the ODI World Cup 2023. Apart from this, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen have also been included in the team for the first time since December 2023. Young fast bowler Kwena Mphaka has been selected in the ODI team for the first time.
Kwena Mphaka made headlines in the Under-19 World Cup 2024. He was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. The 18-year-old Mphaka took 21 wickets in just six matches at an average of 9.71 and an economy rate of 3.81, including taking five wickets in an innings thrice. He was named Player of the Tournament. At the same time, fast bowler Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the series due to injury.
South Africa head coach Rob Walter said he was happy with the selections and expected a good performance from the series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Coach Statement
'We have selected our strongest team from the available players. Every player can prove to be a match winner on his day. We are excited to see how all the players perform together. We are satisfied with this team. This series is important for us to improve our combination before the Champions Trophy next year. We are ready for the challenge ahead.'South Africa ODI Squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Bartman, Tony de Giorgi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Mphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabrez Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen.
ODI series schedule
- 17 December 2024 - Paarl (Boland Park)
- 19 December 2024 - Cape Town (Newlands Cricket Ground)
- 22 December 2024 - Johannesburg (DP World Wanderers Stadium)
