Pacer Gerald Coetzee has returned after recovering from a hamstring injury.
South Africa has assembled a fresh-looking squad for their opening match of the Tri-Nation series. Six players, awaiting their ODI debut, have been included in the squad for the upcoming clash against New Zealand.
The Tri-Nation ODI series will begin on Saturday in Lahore with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand. South Africa will face New Zealand two days later. For this match, South Africa has announced a 12-man squad, with half of the players yet to experience ODI cricket.
This series serves as preparation for South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, due to the ongoing SA T20 league, they will be without most of their regular players. The domestic league will conclude on Saturday.
In South Africa’s second match of the Tri-Nation series, they will have Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen available. This match is scheduled for February 12, with Pakistan as the opponent. However, several players who are part of the Champions Trophy squad, including Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen, will not participate in any match during the Tri-Nation series.
Gerald Coetzee makes his return to the national team after a long absence due to a left hamstring injury.
Other players included in the squad who have yet to taste international cricket are batsman Mika-Il Prins, pacer Gideon Peters, and fast bowling all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Britskyi has represented South Africa in Test and T20 cricket, while left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy has only played in Tests. Both now have the opportunity to feature in ODIs.
In the Champions Trophy, South Africa will be in Group B, alongside Afghanistan, Australia, and England. Their campaign will start on February 21 against Afghanistan.
South Africa’s squad for the first ODI of the Tri-Nation series: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ethan Bosh, Matthew Britskyi, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Vian Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Mika-Il Prins, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne.
