Nortje and Shamsi Return as Klaasen Takes Charge of South Africa for T20I Matches Against Pakistan
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New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) Fast bowler Anrich Nortje and wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have made a notable return to South Africa’s T20I squad for the first time since the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup as they prepare for the upcoming series against Pakistan, which kicks off on December 10.
This revamped South African team, following a 3-1 series defeat to India, will be under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen. Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that skipper Aiden Markram along with Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs will miss the T20I series due to the quick transition between series.
CSA also mentioned that these players will rejoin for the ODI series against Pakistan as part of their preparations for next year's ICC Champions Trophy. All-rounder George Linde has also been included in the squad, marking his return to the T20I setup after last appearing in July 2021 against Ireland.
Linde, aged 33, has made 14 T20I appearances and had a stellar performance in this season’s CSA T20 Challenge, scoring 171 runs with a strike rate of 178.12 and taking nine wickets at an average of 18.33. The return of Nortje and Shamsi is significant as they did not secure central contracts and have been involved in various franchise leagues globally.
Head coach Rob Walter stated, "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,” he added.
CSA also mentioned that Shamsi's involvement in the ongoing Global Super League in Guyana could impact his availability for the opening T20I match, while Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka, and Ryan Rickelton are expected to join the squad following South Africa’s second Test against Sri Lanka taking place in Gqeberha from December 5-9.
The T20I squad will start their preparations with a two-day camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from December 6-8, before heading to Durban, where the first match will occur at Kingsmead Stadium on December 10, followed by consecutive games at SuperSport Park in Centurion and the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 13 and 14 respectively.
South Africa T20I 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.
