South Africa vs Pakistan: Heinrich Klaasen to Lead South Africa in T20I Series Against Pakistan as Key Players Miss Out
With Aiden Markram on Test duty, Heinrich Klaasen will captain South Africa in their upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Several all-format players will be absent, but key returns include Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi. Allrounder George Linde is also recalled after a strong domestic showing.
In a shift of leadership due to Aiden Markram’s involvement in South Africa’s Test series against Sri Lanka, Heinrich Klaasen has been appointed to captain the team for their T20I series against Pakistan, scheduled between December 10 and 14. Markram’s absence is part of a larger trend, as several prominent players from the all-format roster, including Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Tristan Stubbs, will miss the series, with their focus on the Test series against Sri Lanka.
However, South Africa’s squad has been strengthened by the return of fast bowler Anrich Nortje and left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who are making their first T20I appearance since the T20 World Cup in June. Additionally, allrounder George Linde makes his return to the squad after a solid domestic performance, particularly in the CSA T20 Challenge, where he excelled with both bat and ball.
Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach, expressed confidence in Klaasen’s leadership abilities and highlighted Linde’s domestic form as key to his inclusion. He said:
Heinrich is a vastly experienced player with a strong understanding and reading of the game. We look forward to utilizing him in this role after his previous experiences in 2021.
He also noted that the experience of Nortje and Shamsi would be invaluable against a strong Pakistan side. South Africa’s squad will commence their preparations with a two-day camp in Pretoria, followed by the first T20I in Durban.
South Africa squad:
Heinrich Klaasen (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen.
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