Tue Dec 17 18:51:00 UTC 2024: **South Africa Announces Strong ODI Squad for Pakistan Series**
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa has named a strong 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting December 17th. The series is seen as crucial preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The squad features the return of several key players, including Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen, bolstering the team’s batting and bowling strength after their absence from recent matches. The only uncapped player in the squad is Kwena Maphaka.
However, the team suffered a significant blow with the news that fast bowler Anrich Nortje will miss both the ongoing T20I series and the ODI matches due to a fractured left toe sustained during training. Nortje hasn’t played for South Africa since the ICC T20 World Cup final in June.
The inclusion of 18-year-old Maphaka, Player of the Tournament at the Under-19 World Cup, adds excitement. Other players receiving ODI call-ups include Ottniel Baartman, Marco Jansen, and Andile Phehlukwayo.
The three ODIs will be played at Boland Park (December 17th), Newlands (December 19th), and the Wanderers Stadium (December 22nd). Dayaan Galiem has been included in both the T20I and ODI squads. Temba Bavuma will captain the side.
The full squad is: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottniel 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, and Rassie van der Dussen.
First Piper 