South African power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen will lead the side in the upcoming home T20I series against Pakistan in the absence of Aiden Markram, who is busy with the Test assignment against Sri Lanka. Not only Markram, but many other seasoned players will be missing the T20Is against Pakistan.
Players like Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Tristan Stubbs won’t be available for the series. The series is scheduled to be played between December 10 and 14, and the second and final Test against Sri Lanka will conclude on December 9. However, all these players will make themselves available for the ODIs against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, notable names to be included into the squad are Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi, who return to the T20I side for the first time since the T20I World Cup. George Linde has also been named into the squad, having last played for the side in 2021. Ryan Rickelton, Kwena Maphaka, and Matthew Breetzke will join the squad after the Test series against Sri Lanka.
“In the absence of Aiden, Heinrich will lead the team. He is a vastly experienced player with a strong understanding and reading of the game. We look forward to utilising him in this role after his previous experiences in 2021,” South Africa's white-ball head coach Rob Walter said.
“We're pleased to have Anrich and Tabraiz back in the squad. Their wealth of experience and skill significantly bolsters our bowling unit, enhancing both our pace and spin departments, which will be key against a strong Pakistan side."
South Africa Squad: 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