South Africa’s ongoing T20I tri-series against Namibia and Zimbabwe has taken a hit with fast bowler Lutho Sipamla sidelined by a left hamstring injury. Sipamla was forced off the field just nine balls into the opening fixture against Namibia and subsequently sat out the match against Zimbabwe.
South Africa's Lutho Sipamla out of Namibia tri-series
All-rounder Andile Simelane, who has 10 T20Is under his belt, has been called up as his replacement. Sipamla becomes the second casualty of the tour following batter Jason Smith, who was ruled out prior to departure due to a groin issue but was not replaced in the squad.
Andile Simelane announced replacement
The pacer's setback adds to a growing list of injury concerns for the Proteas, coming alongside news that premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will miss the upcoming home ODI series against Australia to recover from a right hamstring strain, with his readiness for the October Test series still to be assessed. These fitness worries come at a challenging time for South Africa as they navigate a grueling schedule. Beyond the remaining tri-series matches in Namibia, the team faces three ODIs in Namibia before returning home to host Australia, a complete tour against Bangladesh, and a full series against England prior to the SA20.
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The tri-series now moves into its next phase, with the Proteas set to take on Zimbabwe on Tuesday before squaring off against Namibia again on Friday. The week-long tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, where the top two sides will battle for the title.