South Africa have unveiled their 12-player squad for the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the tri-nation series set to take place in Pakistan.
The Proteas will face New Zealand in the first match on February 10 in Lahore, with the tournament serving as an important lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy.
South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, has selected a 12-man squad for the opening match, featuring the return of Gerald Coetzee, who has recovered from a left injury setback. Coetzee last played for South Africa in a Test match against Sri Lanka on November 27, 2024, before being sidelined due to injury.
The squad includes several fresh faces, with six uncapped players named in the Temba Bavuma-led lineup. Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, and Mihlali Mpongwana are yet to make their international debuts, while Matthew Breetzke has already represented South Africa in Tests and T20Is. Senuran Muthusamy, who has played four Test matches, also earns a spot in the squad.
With the SA20 league currently underway in South Africa, several key players, including Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen, will only be available from the second match of the series. The squad will be updated accordingly after the conclusion of the domestic T20 tournament.
This tri-series in Pakistan serves as a crucial preparatory event for South Africa ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19. The Proteas will be eager to fine-tune their combinations and test their new talent before heading into the prestigious tournament.
South Africa’s squad for the first ODI:
Temba Bavuma (capt), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne.
As South Africa gears up for the tri-series, all eyes will be on how their young and emerging players perform under pressure. With Pakistan and New Zealand also in the mix, the series promises to be an exciting contest, providing South Africa with an ideal platform to sharpen their skills before the Champions Trophy. The Proteas will look to make a strong start and build momentum as they progress through the competition.