Wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has been appointed South Africa's captain for the three-T20I series against Pakistan. In the absence of Aiden Markram who is busy playing in the Test series against Sri Lanka, Klaasen will lead the Proteas after three years.
As the last day of second Test is on December 9 and the T20I series will begin on December 10, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Tristan Stubbs have been rested from the T20I series as well. The senior players will be available for the ODI series against Pakistan commencing on December 17.
Part of the Test squad, Ryan Rickelton, Kwena Maphaka and Matthew Breetzke are set to join the T20I squad in Durban as soon as the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha concludes.
Express pacer Anrich Nortje and left-arm chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi have made a comeback into the squad. This will be the first time they will play international cricket since T20 World Cup 2024 final loss to India in Barbados. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner George Linde has been recalled the T20I squad following a stellar run in CSA T20 Challenge.
Head coach Rob Walter is content with the balance in the 15-man squad he has put together in the absence of a few prominent players.
"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," Walter said. "We have also given George an opportunity again. He really earned his spot off the back of a strong domestic campaign, and his skills as a spinning all-rounder add important balance to the team.
"We're also pleased to have Anrich and Tabraiz back in the squad. Their wealth of experience and skill significantly bolsters our bowling unit, enhancing both our pace and spin departments, which will be key against a strong Pakistan side," Walter concluded.
South Africa's T20I squad vs Pakistan -
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 and Rassie van der Dussen
Pakistan's T20I squad vs South Africa -
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)
