South Africa have officially announced a formidable 15-men team for the forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan, on December 12 (Thursday). Notably, South Africa will take on Pakistan in three ODIs beginning on Tuesday, December 17. The series will be the Proteas' last training for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Big names to make return
The ODI World Cup 2023 marked the fast bowler Kagiso Rabada's 13-month comeback to the 50-over game. For the first time since December 2023, batsmen Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller have also been added to the squad. However, Kwena Maphaka, a teenage pace phenom, has been called up for the first time for an ODI.
The left-arm seamer, who has already participated in four T20Is gained fame in the Under-19 World Cup 2024 after finishing as the tournament's top wicket-taker. The 18-year-old was rightfully named Player of the Tournament after taking 21 wickets in just six games at an average of 9.71 and an economy of 3.81, including three five-wicket hauls. Aside from him, fast bowler Anrich Nortje was left off the roster because of a toe ailment.
Head coach Rob Walter of South Africa expressed his satisfaction with the team's selections and emphasized the significance of the series in helping them hone their lineups in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
"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. 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," Walter was quoted as saying by the ICC.
South Africa Squad Pakistan ODI series
Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen
