Klaasen to lead Proteas in T20I series against Pakistan

Proteas white-ball head coach Rob Walter has announced a 15-player squad for the three-match KFC T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan, scheduled from 10–14 December.

Heinrich Klaasen will captain the side in the absence of Aiden Markram, who is currently involved in South Africa's test series against Sri Lanka.

Markram, along with all-format players Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Tristan Stubbs, will miss the T20I series due to the quick turnaround between the two series. They will return for the One-Day International series against Pakistan in preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

Dafabet Warriors fast bowler Anrich Nortje and Momentum Multiply Titans spinner Tabraiz Shamsi return to the T20I side for the first time since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

World Sports Betting Western Province all-rounder George Linde has also been named in the squad, marking his return to the T20I set-up after last playing in July 2021 against Ireland. The 33-year-old, who has 14 T20I caps, had an impressive run in this season’s CSA T20 Challenge, amassing 171 runs at a strike rate of 178.12 and claiming nine wickets at an average of 18.33.

The squad will begin preparations with a two-day camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from 06 – 08 December, before heading to Durban on Sunday, 08 December. The first match will take place at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Tuesday, 10 December, followed by back-to-back games at SuperSport Park, Centurion and the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on 13 and 14 December respectively.

'STRONG UNDERSTANDING AND READING OF THE GAME'

Commenting on the squad, Walter said: “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.

“In the absence of Aiden, Heinrich will lead the team. He is a vastly experienced player with a strong understanding and reading of the game. We look forward to utilising him in this role after his previous experiences in 2021.

"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 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.”

SQUAD: Heinrich Klaasen (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Matthew Breetzke* (Dafabet Warriors), Donovan Ferreira (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Patrick Kruger (Dafabet Warriors), George Linde (World Sports Betting Western Province), Kwena Maphaka* (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton* (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi** (Momentum Multiply Titans), Andile Simelane (Hollywoodbets Dolphins) and Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

*Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka and Ryan Rickelton are set to join the squad following their test commitments against Sri Lanka.

** Tabraiz Shamsi's participation in the ongoing Global Super League in Guyana may affect his availability for the 1st T20I.

KFC T20I Series

Tuesday, 10 December at 18:00

South Africa vs Pakistan - Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Friday, 13 December at 18:00

South Africa vs Pakistan – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Saturday, 14 December at 18:00

South Africa vs Pakistan - DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg