Tue Oct 28 15:20:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Tony de Zorzi is set to make his T20I debut for South Africa against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, despite a modest T20 record. He was likely selected due to his strong recent Test form in the same venues, his inclusion in the upcoming ODI squad, and a decent SA20 campaign. South Africa is missing key players like Aiden Markram (rested) and David Miller (injured), leading to Donovan Ferreira being named captain and the inclusion of de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke in the squad.

News Article:

De Zorzi Earns Surprise T20I Debut Against Pakistan Amidst Proteas Squad Changes

Rawalpindi, October 28 – Left-handed batsman Tony de Zorzi is poised to make his T20 International debut for South Africa today against Pakistan. The selection raises eyebrows given de Zorzi’s underwhelming T20 career statistics, averaging 19.52 with a strike rate of 118.5.

The decision comes amidst a series of changes to the South African squad. Regular T20I captain Aiden Markram has been rested for the series, and David Miller, initially appointed as captain, was ruled out due to injury. Donovan Ferreira will now lead the side, which includes de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke as fresh additions.

De Zorzi’s inclusion is likely influenced by his recent form in the Test series against Pakistan. Playing at the same venues as the T20Is, he scored 104 and 16 in Lahore and 55 in Rawalpindi, alongside displaying impressive fielding at bat-pad. He was also already part of the ODI squad slated to follow the T20Is.

While de Zorzi’s T20 record is less impressive, he did have a decent SA20 campaign, averaging 25.60 with a strike rate of 131.95 for Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Whether he can translate his recent Test form to the shorter format remains to be seen, as South Africa look to navigate this series with a makeshift squad.

South Africa’s confirmed XI: Donovan Ferreira (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lizaad Williams, Nandr Burger, Lungi Ngidi.

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