Heinrich Klaasen leads South Africa in T20Is towards Pakistan as Markram misses out. Nortje, Shamsi return, whereas Linde shines with all-round potential.
With Aiden Markram occupied in the Test series against Sri Lanka, wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen will captain South Africa in their T20I series against Pakistan (PAK vs SA) from December 10 to 14. Other multi-format players, including Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs, will also sit out this series but return for the ODIs in early 2025.
The ODI series will be South Africa’s final preparation before the Champions Trophy, with these players expected to warm up, and get ready for the format.
Nortje, Shamsi return; George Linde is back
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi are back in the T20I squad for the first time since the T20 World Cup. All-rounder George Linde also makes a comeback, having last played a T20I in July 2021. Linde impressed in this season’s CSA T20 Challenge, smashing 171 runs at a strike rate of 178.12 and taking nine wickets at an average of 18.33.
South Africa’s head coach Rob Walter praised Linde, highlighting his potential as a spinning all-rounder, a role South Africa has been exploring. “Our No. 7 spot is often filled by a seaming all-rounder, but George fits perfectly as a spinner,” Walter noted.
Walter also expressed confidence in Nortje’s readiness for the Champions Trophy, saying, “He doesn’t need to play too much 50-over cricket. He’s experienced and will stay active through the SA20 and this series.”
Pressure mounts on Walter to deliver results
Despite strong individual performances, South Africa are yet to win a bilateral series under Walter this year. Addressing the pressure, Walter said, “I feel it the most from myself. I expect the team to play better, and as head coach, it starts with me.”
Walter also praised Andile Simelane, one of three seam-bowling all-rounders in the squad alongside Donovan Ferreira and Patrick Kruger. “Andile has great attributes—powerful batting and key wicket-taking abilities. His skill set is still developing, but we want to nurture it with more opportunities,” Walter explained.
Preparation schedule and match venues
The squad will hold a two-day camp in Pretoria from December 6-8 before heading to Durban for the first T20I. The second and third matches will take place on December 13 and 14 in Centurion and Johannesburg, respectively. South Africa will look to turn their fortunes around and deliver a strong performance against Pakistan in this exciting home series.
South Africa T20I squad for Pakistan series
Heinrich Klaasen (C), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke*, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka*, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton*, Tabraiz Shamsi**, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen
*Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka and Ryan Rickelton will 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 first T20I
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