Heinrich Klaasen to lead South Africa in Pakistan T20Is

Heinrich Klaasen will lead South Africa in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting December 10. The wicketkeeper-batter will stand in for Aiden Markram, who is currently involved in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to end on December 9.

Apart from Markram, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs will also miss the T20I series. The latter four are also part of the Proteas Test set-up. However, they will return for the One-Day International series against Pakistan in preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi are back in the T20I set-up for the first time since the last T20 World Cup. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde, who last played a T20I for South Africa in July 2021, has also been named in the squad. Linde had an impressive run in this season’s CSA T20 Challenge, amassing 171 runs at a strike rate of 178.12 and claiming nine wickets at an average of 18.33.

The press release from Cricket South Africa also stated that Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka, and Ryan Rickelton will join the squad following their Test commitments against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Shamsi's participation in the ongoing Global Super League in Guyana may affect his availability for the 1st T20I.

Talking about the squad, SA’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, said: "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. 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 also 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 first T20I will be played in Durban on December 10 before the action shifts to Centurion (December 13) and Johannesburg (December 14) respectively. Following the T20I series, the two teams will also be involved in a three-match ODI and two-match Test series.

Squad: Heinrich Klaasen (captain), 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

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