South Africa Announce Squads for ODI Series Against Afghanistan and T20I/ODI Series Against Ireland in UAE
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| South Africa Squad Announcements & Fixtures 🇿🇦 / Getty |
South Africa’s white-ball head coach, Rob Walter, has announced the national squads for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan and the white-ball series against Ireland, both taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this month. The selection includes several new faces, with a focus on providing opportunities for fringe players ahead of future ICC tournaments.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins allrounder Jason Smith and DP World Lions spinner Nqaba Peter, both capped in T20 Internationals, have earned their maiden ODI call-ups. Meanwhile, Dolphins allrounder Andile Simelane will experience his first exposure to the national setup after being named in both the ODI squad to face Afghanistan and the T20I squad to face Ireland.
Simelane, a 21-year-old rising talent, has been identified as a future star following impressive performances in the SA Emerging tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa A’s series against Sri Lanka A.
Lungi Ngidi, South Africa’s star seamer, has made a full recovery from his right calf injury and has been named in all three squads.
The Proteas will begin their campaign with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah, UAE, from 18 - 22 September, before heading to Abu Dhabi for two T20Is and three ODIs against Ireland from 27 September to 7 October. All the matches will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Commenting on the squad selections, head coach Rob Walter stated:
"We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months. This is part of our long-term strategy of building a wider pool of players ahead of major ICC tournaments, including the 2027 50-over World Cup."
Walter added that this tour offers the chance for players to gain valuable international experience in unfamiliar conditions and that he will be closely watching the performances of both seasoned campaigners and new faces.
South Africa ODI Squad vs Afghanistan:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
South Africa T20I Squad vs Ireland:
Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams.
Fixtures :
- ODI Series vs Afghanistan:
- Dates: 18-22 September
- Location: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- T20I Series vs Ireland:
- Dates: 27-29 September
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- ODI Series vs Ireland:
- Dates: 2-7 October
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi