South Africa will rest several first-choice players during their white-ball matches in the UAE against Afghanistan and Ireland this month. As part of their Champions Trophy preparation, key players like Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will not feature in the ODI or T20I squads. Instead, the management has expanded the player pool with fresh faces.
Allrounder Jason Smith, who made his T20I debut against the West Indies last month, has received his first ODI call-up. Legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter, recovering from a shoulder injury, is also included in the squad after missing the Caribbean tour. Another new addition is 21-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Andile Simelane, who will play in both the ODI and T20I matches against Afghanistan.
Lungi Ngidi, who had a right calf injury during the Caribbean tour, has recovered and is expected to lead the bowling attack. However, Quinton de Kock, who has yet to confirm his retirement from T20Is, is not part of the squad. Young bowler Kwena Maphaka is also absent as he is completing his final school exams, while Matthew Breetzke has been included in the T20I squad.
Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, and Andile Simelane are part of the ODI squad against Afghanistan, but they will not feature in the ODIs against Ireland. Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton are only included in the ODI squad for the matches against Ireland.
Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach, stated that the management has decided to give opportunities to fringe players and those who have impressed recently. This approach is aimed at building a larger player pool for upcoming ICC tournaments, with a long-term focus on the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa ODI squad vs Afghanistan
Temba Bavuma (capt), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Ottneil Baartman, Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, Andile Phehlukwayo, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lizaad Williams.
South Africa T20I squad vs Ireland
Aiden Markram (capt), Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Matthew Breetzke, Ottneil Baartman, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams
South Africa ODI squad vs Ireland
Temba Bavuma (capt), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Ottneil Baartman, Ryan Rickelton, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams
