Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday, announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on December 17.
South Africa’s frontline pacer Kagiso Rabada, alongside hard-hitting batters David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen returned to the ODI team since 2023.
Rabada’s last ODI appearance for the Proteas men dates back to ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, while Miller and Klaasen last featured in the format in December 2023.
The squad also features 18-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka, who earned his maiden ODI call-up after his stellar performance in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year, where he was adjudged the Player of the Tournament.
The right-arm pacer is also a part of South Africa’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan.
He was exceptional with the ball in the series opener in Durban as he claimed the key wickets of Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and ace batter Babar Azam to return brilliant bowling figures of 2/39 in his four overs.
South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter shared that the squad features best-available players, capable of being a match-winner, to fine-tune their preparations for the next year’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan.
“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,” Walter said.
“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,” he added.
South Africa’s squad for Pakistan ODIs: 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
ODI Series Itinerary:
17 December, 1st ODI, Paarl
19 December, 2nd ODI, Cape Town
22 December, 3rd ODI, Johannesburg
