Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday, announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on December 17.

South Africa’s frontline pacer Kagiso Rabada, alongside hard-hitting batters David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen returned to the ODI team since 2023.

Rabada’s last ODI appearance for the Proteas men dates back to ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, while Miller and Klaasen last featured in the format in December 2023.

The squad also features 18-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka, who earned his maiden ODI call-up after his stellar performance in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year, where he was adjudged the Player of the Tournament.

The right-arm pacer is also a part of South Africa’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan.

He was exceptional with the ball in the series opener in Durban as he claimed the key wickets of Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and ace batter Babar Azam to return brilliant bowling figures of 2/39 in his four overs.

South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter shared that the squad features best-available players, capable of being a match-winner, to fine-tune their preparations for the next year’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan.

“We have named our strongest squad available, with each player capable of being a match-winner on their day, and we are extremely excited to see how this group performs together,” Walter said.

“We are very pleased with this squad. This series will be crucial in fine-tuning our combinations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he added.

South Africa’s squad for Pakistan ODIs: Temba Bavuma (c), 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 Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

ODI Series Itinerary:

17 December, 1st ODI, Paarl

19 December, 2nd ODI, Cape Town

22 December, 3rd ODI, Johannesburg

South Africa has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, set to take place in December.

The series will see South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen step up as captain, filling the role due to the unavailability of regular skipper Aiden Markram.

The squad will also be without some of South Africa’s key all-format players.

Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs will miss the series as they are being rested for the ODI series against the Men in Green.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi will make their return for the first time since the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.

The squad also sees the return of all-rounder George Linde, who has been recalled after a strong domestic campaign.

Proteas coach Rob Walter shared his thoughts on the squad selection, saying: “All 15 players are capped, and we’re looking to build on the experience within the group as we continue to grow as a unit.

“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.

“We have also given George an opportunity again. He really earned his spot off the back of a strong domestic campaign, and his skills as a spinning all-rounder add important balance to the team.

“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.”

The 20-over series between South Africa and Pakistan will be held on December 10, 13, and 14 at three venues: Durban, Centurion, and Johannesburg, respectively.

South Africa T20I Squad against 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, and Rassie van der Dussen.

Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka, and Ryan Rickelton will join the squad after completing their Test duties against Sri Lanka.

Tabraiz Shamsi’s involvement in the ongoing Global Super League in Guyana may impact his availability for the first T20I.

Cricket Australia has unveiled a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan, which is set to kick off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 4.

With Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head ruled out of the series due to paternity leave, Pat Cummins has returned to the side as captain along with Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short as openers, the board said on Monday.

The Green Shirts are set to take on the Kangaroos in three ODIs followed by a three-match T20I series scheduled from November 14 to 18 after the culmination of the ODI series with the second and third 50-over games on November 8 and November 10 at the Adelaide Oval, and Perth Stadium, respectively.

Australian chief selector George Bailey, as reported by the AFP, said: “This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy (in Pakistan) and the balance of the squad was focused on that as well as continuing to focus on the preparation of individuals for the upcoming Test summer.”

“We view this as an opportunity to expand on that achievement in preparation for next February in Pakistan,” he added while referring to the Champions Trophy set to be hosted by Pakistan next year.

Apart from Marsh and Head, Cameron Green has also not made it to the squad as the 25-year-old all-rounder will be undergoing surgery due to a back stress fracture which will rule him out for six months, said Cricket Australia in a statement.

Meanwhile, Cummins — who missed the white-ball tour of England and Scotland to rest — will be once again leading the team in the 50-over format for the first time since winning the World Cup 2023.

It is to be noted that the squad for the T20I series will be announced at a later date.

Australia squad

Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa