South Africa faces off against Pakistan in the first t20 on December 10 in Kingsmead, Durban.
Regular captain Aiden Markram will miss the T20I series with South Africa ranked 6th here will be captained by Heinrich Klaasen.
The Proteas are without a number of leading players, such as Kagiso Rabada and Tristan Stubbs, who are on Test duty versus Sri Lanka. But do welcome back Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi, which boosts their bowling power.
Pakistan (rank 7) will be high on confidence after defeating Zimbabwe 2-1 in a recent bilateral series. Star batter Babar Azam will return to the squad, with Mohammad Rizwan returning as captain.
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South Africa squad
Heinrich Klaasen (c), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke*, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickleton*, Tabraiz Shamsi**, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen.
South Africa Playing 11 vs Pakistan- 1st T2OI, Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024
Openers: Matthew Breetzke, Reeza Hendricks
Hosts will open with Matthew Breetzke and Reeza Hendricks in the first T20I against Pakistan.
Breetzke who is a part of the Test squad against Sri Lanka is likely to be available for the 1st T2Oi against Pakistan and will partner Reeza Hendricks.
The duo’s performance will be crucial in setting the tone against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (c), Donovan Ferreira, David Miller, Andile Simelane
Proteas’s middle order for the first T20I against Pakistan is a combination of experience and power.
Rassie van der Dussen, the rock of the side, will be key to the innings, while captain Heinrich Klaasen is in an explosive mood and has been sharp with the captaincy.
The experienced finisher David Miller adds power and does well under duress; he will be key against the lethal bowlers in Pakistan.
The former will be key in the middle overs on the back of Donovan Ferreira’s strokeplay,
while all-rounder Andile Simelane, whose dual skills will ensure balance within the lineup.
Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka
The bowling line-up of hosts for the first T20I against Pakistan is likely to include Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi who return to the team after their T20 World Cup assignment.
Nortje’s express speed and height mean he will be key in breaking up Pakistan’s top order.
South Africa’s premier spinner, Shamsi adds guile and variations to the attack and is a key middle-overs weapon.
Ottneil Baartman will bring reliability back to the attack, while Kwena Maphaka, a fiery talent quickly makes a name for himself.