CENTURION: South Africa on Thursday announced an update to their squad for the remaining two T20 Internationals (T20Is) against Pakistan following the injury of fast bowler Anrich Nortje.
The South Africa Cricket Board confirmed that Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the rest of the T20I series and the subsequent three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan due to a left toe injury. The 31-year-old pacer initially missed the opening T20I on Tuesday after suffering a contusion on his left big toe during training. Subsequent scans conducted on Wednesday revealed a fracture, ruling him out for an extended period. According to the board, Nortje will now consult a specialist orthopedic surgeon to determine the appropriate recovery timeline.
To address Nortje’s absence, all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been named as his replacement for the final two T20Is. The matches are scheduled to take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday, December 13, and at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, December 14.
South Africa T20I Squad Against Pakistan:
• Heinrich Klaasen (captain)
• Ottneil Baartman
• Matthew Breetzke
• Donovan Ferreira
• Dayyaan Galiem
• Reeza Hendricks
• Patrick Kruger
• George Linde
• David Miller
• Kwena Maphaka
• Nqaba Peter
• Ryan Rickelton
• Tabraiz Shamsi
• Andile Simelane
• Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa vs Pakistan T20I Series Schedule:
• Tuesday, December 10: South Africa defeated Pakistan by 11 runs at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban.
• Friday, December 13: South Africa vs Pakistan at SuperSport Park, Centurion (18:00 local time).
• Saturday, December 14: South Africa vs Pakistan at DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (18:00 local time).
South Africa aims to capitalize on their momentum following a narrow victory in the opening match, while Pakistan seeks to level the series. The updated squad reflects South Africa’s intent to maintain depth and competitiveness despite the setback of losing Nortje. The remaining games promise intense action as both teams battle for supremacy in this closely contested series.