South Africa won the rain-affected T20I against England by 14 runs (DLS method), but the Aiden Markram-led side face a few issues for the remainder of the T20I series. After Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the series due to a right hamstring strain, Keshav Maharaj tweaked his groin while warming up before the first T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on September 10.
Markram had to make a last-minute change by replacing Maharaj by Corbin Bosch. The move worked for South Africa as Bosch picked up two wickets and prevented England from chasing down revised target of 69 from five overs.
“Kesh (Maharaj) was going to play but he hurt his groin during the warm-up. Corbin came in and with just two overs to bowl, he was up for it. They (Bosch and Marco Jansen) really set the tone, they make it seem easier than it is. They ran in with energy and conditions favoured them tonight,” he said.
Maharaj, who came back to the T20I squad after missing Australia and Zimbabwe series, is doubtful for the second T20I which will be played on September 12 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
Ngidi’s replacement
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) have named left-arm pacer Nandre Burger as Ngidi’s replacement. Burger was part of the ODI squad and has been asked to stay back. CSA don’t want to risk Ngidi as he will be crucial for the Test series against Pakistan next month.
Miller yet to recover
Earlier, Miller was ruled out of the T20I series as well due to hamstring injury he sustained during the Hundred 2025. No replacement was named for him.
South Africa’s updated T20I squad for England series
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lizaad Williams, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Nandre Burger.