SA vs PAK: South Africa Announce Squad for ODI Series Against Pakistan, Star Pacers Ruled Out

South Africa have revealed their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. This will be their final bilateral ODI series before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Proteas have picked a strong lineup, welcoming back several key players who missed the recent series against Ireland in the UAE.

Star players Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi are back in the squad. Captain Temba Bavuma, who was injured during the Ireland series, has also returned to lead the team. The 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is the only uncapped player included.

South Africa’s batting looks strong with Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Klaasen, and Miller in the lineup. Bavuma is likely to open the innings with either Ryan Rickelton or Reeza Hendricks. On the bowling front, Rabada will lead the pace attack, supported by Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman, Marco Jansen, and Andile Phehlukwayo.

Injury Woes

South Africa will miss Anrich Nortje, who has been ruled out due to a fractured toe. The team is already dealing with injuries to Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, and Nandre Burger, making Nortje’s absence a further setback.

Series Schedule

The ODI series will start on December 17, shortly after the ongoing T20I series concludes. South Africa will also compete in a tri-series with Pakistan and New Zealand closer to the SA20 League’s conclusion.

South Africa Squad for ODIs Against Pakistan:

Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen