South Africa ODI squad vs Pakistan named; Temba Bavuma back

South Africa has opted to go for a full-strength squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. Temba Bavuma will lead the team with various important players returning back to the ODI fold.

David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj return to the ODI team after missing the team's last ODI series against Ireland. Youngster Kwena Maphaka is the only uncapped player in the squad who has plenty of experience.

Also read: South Africa lose Anrich Nortje in their battle against Pakistan

South Africa pick full-strength squad for Pakistan ODIs

South Africa have picked their strongest available squad for the upcoming ODIs against Pakistan 🇿🇦

The likes of Rabada, Miller, Klaasen and Maharaj return, with Kwena Maphaka the only uncapped player included #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/YAbrFqlb77

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 12, 2024

The return of David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj will give the team a lot of confidence. Looking at their class and experience, all these players are likely to be in their first-choice Playing XI.

The return of these players clearly indicate South Africa's strategy as they have begun their preparations for the Champions Trophy next year. Rabada and Maharaj were in good form in their recent assignment against Sri Lanka in Tests.

Senior fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who was ruled out of the T20I series due to fractured toe, continues to remain out of the ODI team as well.

Miller and Klaasen are currently playing the T20I series against Pakistan. Klaasen is the captain of the team but failed to get a big score in the first T20I. But Miller looked in great form as he slammed a magnificent 82 off just 40 balls with 4 fours and 8 sixes.

Meanwhile, the squad will be led by Temba Bavuma, who also was also the captain in Proteas' last ODI series against Ireland played in Abu Dhabi. The Proteas went on to win the three-match ODI series 2-1.

Ryan Rickelton picked as second wicketkeeper

Talented top order wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton has also found a place in the squad. He recently slammed his maiden international hundred during the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Rickelton is already seen as a big player for Proteas in the future. The 28-year-old is the second wicketkeeper after Klaasen in the squad. Tone de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Ryan Rickelton are the three openers in the squad.

Tabraiz Shamsi is the second spinner in the South African squad after Keshav Maharaj. Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo are the two allrounders in the squad.

Teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is also in the team. The left-arm quick is currently playing in the T20I series against Pakistan and is likely to get a game or two in the ODI series as well.

South Africa squad for ODIs against Pakistan