JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on December 17.
South Africa’s frontline pacer Kagiso Rabada alongside batsmen David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen have returned to the ODI team since 2023.
Rabada’s last ODI appearance for the Proteas men dates back to the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, while Miller and Klaasen last participated in the format in December 2023.
The team also features 18-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka, who earned his first ODI call-up following his outstanding performance at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year, where he was named Player of the Tournament .
The right-arm pacer is also part of South Africa’s squad for the T20I series against Pakistan.
He was exceptional with the ball in the series opener in Durban as he claimed key wickets from Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and batsman Babar Azam, returning brilliant bowling figures of 2/39 in his four overs.
South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter shared that the team has the best players available, capable of winning the game, to fine-tune their preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
“We have named our strongest squad available, with each player capable of winning a match on their day, and we are extremely excited to see how this group performs together,” said Walter.
“We are very pleased with this squad. This series will be crucial to perfecting our combinations ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he added.
South Africa Pakistan ODI squad: 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:
December 17, 1st ODI, Paarl
December 19, 2nd ODI, Cape Town
December 22, 3rd ODI, Johannesburg
