South Africa vs Pakistan 2021: Skipper Temba Bavuma Ruled Out Due To Hamstring Strain, Heinrich Klaasen To Lead Proteas In T20I Series

South Africa will be short of skipper Temba Bavuma in the T20I series against Pakistan. Moreover, batsman Reeza Hendricks has also withdrawn from the tournament. As a result, Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, Daryn Dupavillon, and Wiaan Mulde were retained in the T20I squad of South Africa.

South Africa will play four T20I matches against Pakistan. The tournament starts with the 1st T20I match at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on April 10, 2021. South Africa lost the three-match ODI series against Pakistan 2-1. After losing the first match by 3 wickets, Pakistan made a comeback in the series after winning the 2nd match by 17 runs. However, in the third ODI, Pakistan managed to snatch a victory by 28 runs and won the series 2-1

Temba Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks Ruled Out For T20I Series

Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma suffered a hamstring injury during the final ODI against Pakistan. Therefore, he won’t be available for the T20I series against Pakistan. Reeza Hendricks has withdrawn from the series due to the birth of his child on Tuesday. Moreover, Rassie van der Dussen is undergoing treatment for left quadriceps muscle strain while Dwaine Pretorius is recovering from a rib fracture.

Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi are also unavailable due to their IPL commitments. All these 5 players were part of the first two ODIs against Pakistan. South Africa Cricket Board allowed them to skip the third ODI to take part in IPL 2021.

In the absence of Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen will lead the Proteas T20I team against Pakistan. In the absence of Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram will have the opportunity to rebuild his T20I career. He last played a T20I match against Sri Lanka more than two years ago.

Here is the complete South Africa squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan. Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Bjorn Fortuin, Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman Malan, Sisanda Magala, Wiaan Mulder, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Kyle Verreynne, Pite van Biljo, Daryn Dupavillon, Migael Pretorius, Lizaad Williams, and Wihan Lubbe.