South Africa are all set to host India for a highly anticipated four-match T20I series beginning on November 8. After enduring a heartbreaking loss to India in final of the T20 World Cup 2024 when the two sides last time met each other, South Africa will step onto their home turf with a clear intent to redeem themselves.
South Africa sets sights on India T20I series
South Africa recently played a hard-fought series against Ireland, ending in a 1-1 draw, and the upcoming fixtures will see them battle a formidable Indian side across various venues: Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg. South Africa’s squad for the India T20I series strikes a balance between youth and experience, a lineup built on impactful performances and impressive displays in domestic and international cricket. Emerging talents have stepped up recently, proving their readiness with strong performances that make a compelling case for inclusion, and the South African selectors have crafted a roster that combines batting firepower, all-round utility, and bowling depth.
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Here’s the predicted South Africa squad for the T20I series against India:
Batters
- Aiden Markram (c): A reliable opening batter and captain, known for his composed play and leadership. Skilled at playing spin, he’s pivotal at the top of the order.
- David Miller: A powerful left-handed finisher, Miller is renowned for his aggressive hitting and experience in high-pressure situations.
- Reeza Hendricks: An experienced opening batter with a solid technique, Hendricks combines stability with the ability to accelerate in powerplays.
- Ryan Rickelton (wk): Left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, Rickelton is quick with the gloves and capable of counter-attacking to shift momentum.
- Heinrich Klaasen: A versatile top-order batter, Klaasen can take attack back to the opposition with his rapid power hitting
- Tristan Stubbs: An aggressive young batter, Stubbs is known for powerful strokes and innovative shot-making in the death overs.
Allrounders
- Patrick Kruger: A dependable batting allrounder who strengthens the middle order, Kruger offers medium-pace options for breakthroughs.
- Wiaan Mulder: A balanced allrounder, Mulder is skilled with both bat and ball, adding depth in the lineup with right-arm medium pace.
- Andile Simelane: Young and dynamic, Simelane’s right-arm fast bowling and right-handed batting bring energy and promise to the team.
Bowlers
- Ottneil Baartman: A right-arm medium-fast bowler, Baartman is known for accuracy and his knack for breaking partnerships.
- Nandre Burger: A left-arm fast-medium bowler, Burger’s pace and variation are assets, especially against top-order batters.
- Keshav Maharaj: An experienced slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Maharaj excels in control and adds depth with his economical spells in the middle overs.
- Lungi Ngidi: A right-arm fast-medium pacer, Ngidi combines pace and bounce to trouble batters and is effective in all stages.
- Tabraiz Shamsi: A experienced spinner, Shamsi’s variations and leg breaks add depth to South Africa’s spin department.
- Lizaad Williams: A right-arm medium-fast bowler, Williams is known for swing and disciplined lines, particularly effective in the powerplay.