Proteas name strong 15-player squad for ODI series against Pakistan

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter has named a strong 15-player squad for the 3-match One day international series against Pakistan, that will take place between 17-22 December. Young Kwena Maphaka has received his maiden call-up in the 50 over format, having already featured in the Proteas T20 team. The youngster has impressed since making his debut against the West Indies in August, featuring in four T20 internationals taking three wickets at an average of 42.33.

Maphaka will bolster the fast bowling department alongside Kagiso Rabada, who returns to the ODI set-up for the first time since the 2023 ICC World Cup semi finals, Ottneil Baartman and all-rounders Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the series due to a left toe injury. Temba Bavuma will lead the team and the batting department that sees the returns of David Miller and Heinrich Klassen, who last featured in an ODI against India in December last year. 

The first ODI will take place at Boland Park in Paarl, on Tuesday 17 December. Followed by the second encounter at World Sports Betting Newlands stadium in Cape Town on Thursday, 19 December. The series will conclude on Sunday 22 December at the DP World Wanderers stadium in Johhanesburg in the annual Pink Day. 

FULL SQUAD:

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