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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed the men’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, marking significant exclusions and inclusions. Aiden Markram, the dynamic top-order batter, will take the helm as the team’s skipper for the global event.
Absentees and newcomers
Former Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, who led South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup, has not found a place in the squad. Alongside Bavuma, Rilee Rossouw and Wayne Parnell, absent from South Africa’s last T20 World Cup squad, are also missing from the lineup.
In a notable development, opening batter Ryan Rickelton and fast bowler Ottniel Baartman, who showcased stellar performances at this year’s SA20, have earned call-ups, marking their debut in T20 Internationals. Rickelton emerged as the leading run-scorer in the SA20 tournament and the second-highest in the recent CSA T20 Challenge, while Baartman was the second-highest wicket-taker in the SA20.
Return of Anrich Nortje
Pace sensation Anrich Nortje has made a comeback to the South African squad after a nine-month absence. Currently representing Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Nortje’s return bolsters the team’s fast-bowling arsenal.
Squad composition
The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and promising talents, with left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, along with wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, adding variety to the bowling attack.
However, Faf du Plessis, who was speculated to make an international comeback, has not been named in the squad. Similarly, Rassie van der Dussen and Matthew Breetzke, the leading run-scorer in the CSA T20 Challenge and third-highest in the SA20 respectively, were not considered either.
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South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad:
Aiden Markram (captain), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
Travelling reserves: Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi
Series against West Indies
Ahead of the World Cup, South Africa will play a series against West Indies. Van der Dussen and Breetzke will travel with a second-string Proteas side for the series against the Caribbeans, with uncapped legspinner Nqaba Peter also included in the squad.
South Africa’s T20I squad for series against West Indies:
Matthew Breetzke, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen
