South Africa lose Anrich Nortje in their battle against Pakistan

South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan on home soil. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been added to the squad for the last two T20Is in the three-match series against Pakistan.

The 31-year-old speedster missed the first T20I match at Kingsmead in Durban on Tuesday, December 10, where the home side secured an 11-run victory. The hosts fielded a young pace bowling attack for the series opener. The second T20I match will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 13.

Anrich Nortje Ruled Out of White Ball Series Against Pakistan

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has released a statement confirming that Anrich Nortje will miss the T20I series due to a left toe injury. The board also stated that he will not be part of the squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series.

"Dafabet Warriors fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remainder of the KFC T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan and the proceeding three-match One-Day International series due to a left toe injury," read the statement from Cricket South Africa.

"The 31-year-old was initially ruled out of the first KFC T20I on Tuesday after sustaining a contusion to his left big toe during training ahead of the opening match. Subsequent scans on Wednesday revealed a fracture. He will consult with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon to determine the recovery period," the statement added.

Very exciting time ahead for Cricket’s involvement in the Olympics movement - a meeting with the @Brisbane_2032 organizing committee in Brisbane, Australia today.@ICC | @Olympics | @CricketAus | @BCCI | #brisbane2032 pic.twitter.com/JVyMbkCYrz

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 12, 2024

Anrich Nortje in South Africa's ODI Plans for Champions Trophy 2025

Anrich Nortje, who last played in the Abu Dhabi T10 earlier this month, has not featured in an international match since the T20 World Cup final in June. He was expected to be in ODI plans for the Champions Trophy but will not be part of the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

Nortje may get ample match practice ahead of the squad selection, as the SA20 begins on January 10. He previously missed nine months due to a stress fracture before making a comeback at IPL 2024. Nortje was later selected for the T20 World Cup, where he became South Africa's highest wicket-taker.

All-Rounder Dayyaan Galiem Named as Anrich Nortje's Replacement

Cricket South Africa has named Dayyaan Galiem as a replacement for Nortje for the remaining two T20Is. Galiem will join the South Africa squad before the second T20I match.

"Momentum Multiply Titans all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been named as his replacement for the remaining two T20Is at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday, 13 December, and the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 14 December."

Gerald Coetzee and Lungi Ngidi are sidelined until January due to groin and hip issues, respectively. Nandre Burger is out for the summer with a lower back stress fracture, while Wiaan Mulder is recovering from a broken finger and is racing against time to be fit for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.

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