The Wk-batter Heinrich Klaasen has been named as stand-in captain for the Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024. He will be leading the 15-member squad in the absence of Aiden Markram who is involved in Test commitments in the Sri Lanka tour of South Africa.
Due to the short time gap between the Sri Lanka tests and the Pakistan T20I series, several players Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Tristan Stubbs will be missing the T20I squad.
The second test against Sri Lanka will finish on December 09 if it goes on for five days while the Pakistan T20I series kicks off a day later in Durban on December 10.
However, Ryan Rickelton, Kwena Maphaka, and Matthew Breetzke are all part of the test squad against Sri Lanka will be joining the T20I squad after the completion of the second test in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi will be returning to the squad after having not made any international apperance for the nation since the ICC T20 World Cup back in June.
George Linde who represented his country in a T20I in July 2021, has been drafted into the side following his impressive season in the CSA T20 challenge, with 171 runs at a strike rate of 178.12 and nine wickets at an average of 18.33.
Headcoach Rob Walter talked up the experience and balance that South Africa have struck with 15-man squad for the T20I series.
“All 15 players are capped, and we’re looking to build on the experience within the group as we continue to grow as a unit,” Walter said.
“We have also given George an opportunity again. He really earned his spot off the back of a strong domestic campaign, and his skills as a spinning all-rounder add important balance to the team.
“We’re also pleased to have Anrich and Tabraiz back in the squad. Their wealth of experience and skill significantly bolsters our bowling unit, enhancing both our pace and spin departments, which will be key against a strong Pakistan side,” Walter concluded.
The first match of the South Africa Pakistan T20Is will begin on December 10 at Kingsmead.
South Africa Squad for Pakistan T20Is: Heinrich Klaasen (c), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane and Rassie van der Dussen
