SA vs PAK: Heinrich Klaasen named T20I captain for series against Pakistan, Anrich Nortje returns as hosts announce 15-man squad

Heinrich Klaasen has previously captained South Africa in seven international matches.

South Africa will host Pakistan for series in all three formats, starting on December 10. Pakistan’s tour of South Africa will kick off with a three-T20I series, followed by three ODIs and two tests.

Three-match T20I series will be played from December 10 to 14 in Durban, Centurion and Johannesburg.

Heinrich Klaasen will lead South Africa in the T20Is against Pakistan because of the unavailability of regular skipper Aiden Markram. Several big names including Markram, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Tristan Stubbs will be unavailable for the T20I series against Pakistan due to their involvement in the ongoing test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to conclude on December 9.

Heinrich Klaasen previously led South Africa in seven international matches, all in the T20 format, against Pakistan during the home and away series in 2021.

Key inclusions in the squad

Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi have been included in the T20I squad. The duo last played a T20I during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.

Allrounder George Linde has also made his comeback to the T20I setup for the first time since 2021. Linde’s exceptional performances in the CSA T20 Challenge, where he scored 171 runs at a strike rate of 178.12 and took nine wickets, earned him a spot.

21-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Andile Simelane has retained his place in the squad. South Africa’s coach Rob Walter praised Simelane’s potential, highlighting his power-hitting ability and knack for taking crucial wickets.

Rob said, “He has got some power with the bat, he took some key wickets, he has a wonderful overall skill set that is still in its infancy. We want to keep giving him opportunities.“

South Africa T20I squad vs Pakistan:

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

Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024 Schedule:

First T20I, December 10, DurbanSecond T20I, December 13, CenturionThird T20I, December 14, Johannesburg

First ODI, December 17, PaarlSecond ODI, December 19, Cape TownThird ODI, December 22, Johannesburg

First Test, December 26-30, CenturionSecond Test, January 3-7, Cape Town

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