South Africa revealed their 15-man squad for the three-match T20I series against the West Indies. Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and top-order batter Jason Smith have made their first call-ups.
Proteas are playing a two-match Test series currently in the West Indies. After the first match of the tour ended in a draw, they will be looking to win the second and clinch the series. The T20Is will come next where both countries will clash in the fastest form of cricket.
Regarding on this group, Rob Walter who is South Africa’s head coach mentioned in one declaration:
“Several players were not considered for this series due to either injury, being in a conditioning block that is related to workload management, or their participation in ongoing T20 leagues.”
Young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who made a mark during the 2024 ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup, and top order batter Jason Smith have been called up to the squad for the very first time.
Speaking on their inclusion, Walter said: “We’re excited to have Jason [Smith] and Kwena [Maphaka] join the squad for this series. Jason’s recent performances have been impressive, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to our line-up.”
Additionally, Walter commented on the 18-year-old fast bowler: “Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience.”
White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today named the 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against the West Indies, which gets underway later this month in Trinidad and Tobago.
Commenting on the squad, Walter said: “Several players were not… pic.twitter.com/hx8PJ4d6tX
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 14, 2024
South Africa’s squad for the West Indies T20Is:
Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa lost the T20I series to the West Indies ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup started, South Africa went to the Caribbean for a three-match T20I series with a second-string side. They lost all three matches to their West Indian counterparts, there was no pressure on Rassie van der Dussen’s team which lost 0-3. Most of South Africa’s best players like Aiden Markram (Captain) were in India and committed to IPL.
After that tour, South Africa had an excellent run at the ICC Men’s T20 World. In Group D alongside Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Netherlands, the Proteas topped the table with four wins out of four games played.
They then proceeded to Super 8 Group 2 where they were grouped with hosts West Indies and co-hosts USA as well as England from whom they remained unbeaten before reaching semi-finals.
They faced a lively side from Afghanistan, whom they had vanquished by nine wickets; before being handed a soul-crushing seven-run defeat at the hands of eventual champs- Team India.
On August 15, South Africa will square off against West Indies in their opening T20I match; with the second and third matches occurring on August 16th and 20th respectively. Every match will happen at Brian Lara Stadium located at Tauroba-Trinidad.
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