SA20 2024: Nuwan Thushara Replaces Jofra Archer In MI Cape Town Squad

Nuwan Thushara is set to play for MI Cape Town in the SA20 2024. The Sri Lanka pacer will replace England pacer Jofra Archer in the Mumbai Indians Cape Town team. Nuwan Thushara became part of the Mumbai Indians franchise during the IPL 2024 auction.

MI grabbed the Sri Lanka pacer for Rs. 4.80 crore during the IPL 2024 auction. He was among the costliest picks for the franchise. The right-arm pacer had a base price of Rs. 50 lakh. He will don the MI jersey in IPL 2024.

However, ahead of the tournament, he will also feature in SA20 2024 for MI Cape Town.  SA20 2024 is set to commence on January 10 in South Africa. It is the second edition of South Africa’s franchise cricket tournament. Six teams are part of the league.

Also Read: SA20 2024: Kieron Pollard Replaces Rashid Khan As MI Cape Town Captain Amid Rift Rumors

MI Cape Town Signs Nuwan Thushara For SA20 2024

MI Cape Town franchise has signed Nuwan Thushara for SA20 2024. He will replace the injured Jofra Archer in the squad. Thushara is a 29-year-old pacer who has played 5 T20Is for Sri Lanka so far.

He made his international debut in February 2022 with an encounter against Australia. He accounts for 6 wickets across 5 games at 8.91 economy. In an official post on X, MI Cape Town announced the addition of Nuwan Thushara into the squad. Have a look at the tweet below.

MI Cape Town announce the signing of Nuwan Thushara.

Nuwan Thushara, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, will join MI Cape Town ahead of SA20 2024.

Read more: https://t.co/lHJG26IWbq#OneFamily #MICapeTown pic.twitter.com/jGKp9OUFLJ

— MI Cape Town (@MICapeTown) January 7, 2024

Kieron Pollard To Lead MI Cape Town In SA20 2024

Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard has been nominated as the skipper of MI Cape Town for SA20 2024. Pollard will replace the injured Rashid Khan as skipper. As a result, Pollard will also miss MI Emirates’ leadership in the ongoing ILT20.

Nicholas Pooran will lead the side in Pollard’s absence. Notably, Pollard will make his debut in the SA20 2024. However, the former West Indies skipper will return to ILT20 for the last leg.

Also Read: SA20: Shukri Conrad Responds To Backlash Received On Sending South Africa’s 2nd String Team To New Zealand Tour

MI Cape Town Updated Squad For SA20 2024

SA20 2024 and ILT20 leagues are set to clash with each other. While SA20 2024 will take place from Jan 10 to Feb 10, ILT20 will be played from Jan 19 to Feb 19. Below is the MI Cape Town updated squad for SA20 2024.

MI Cape Town Squad: Kieron Pollard (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Delano Potgieter, Thomas Kaber, George Linde, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Chris Benjamin, Connor Esterhuizen, Ryan Rickelton, Grant Roelofsen, Beuran Hendricks, Duan Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Olly Stone, Nealan van Heerden, Nuwan Thushara.

In the previous edition of SA20, MI Cape Town failed to reach the playoffs. Out of six teams, they were the worst performers and ended in the last spot in the points table. Out of 10 matches, the MI franchise won just 3 games and lost 7.

Hence, the franchise will aim for a better show this season. Under Kieron Pollard, the team is expected to witness a comeback. Pollard is also the batting coach of Mumbai Indians team in IPL 2024. He was a part of MI in the Indian Premier League till his retirement.