ISLAMABAD: South Africa on Wednesday announced their 12-member squad for the first match of the tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan, calling up six uncapped players.
Pacer Gerald Coetzee also returns to the side after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the Test series against Sri Lanka.
The upcoming tri-series, which serves as a precursor to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, begins on 8 February with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Lahore.
South Africa will then take on the Black Caps in the same city on 10 February before heading to Karachi for a clash against the hosts.
The scheduling of this series coincides with the knockout rounds of SA20, forcing South Africa’s centrally contracted players to prioritise their participation in that tournament.
As a result, South Africa have named a 12-man squad comprised of young players for the tri-series opener, with plans to strengthen the lineup once either Sunrisers Eastern Cape or Joburg Super Kings are eliminated later tonight.
Among this squad, six players are yet to make their ODI debuts. Matthew Breetzke has featured in one Test and ten T20Is, while Senuran Muthusamy has played four Tests.
However, the remaining five are yet to step onto the international stage. All-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana received call-ups for an ODI series against India in 2023 and a T20I series in 2024 but has yet to make his debut.
Eathan Bosch’s brother, Corbin, made a sensational Test debut against Pakistan, and fast bowler Gideon Peters impressed in his SA20 debut for the Pretoria Capitals just last week.
The final uncapped player in the squad is 20-year-old wicketkeeper Meeka-eel Prince, who has represented the U19 national side five times.
Meanwhile, pacer Gerald Coetzee makes a welcome return from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of SA20 last month.
South Africa Squad for the First Match of the ODI Tri-Series
Batters: Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke*
Wicketkeepers: Kyle Verrynne, Meeka-eel Prince*
All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana*, Senuran Muthusamy*
Bowlers: Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Gideon Peters*, Eathan Bosch*
*Uncapped players