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South Africa have announced their 15-man squad for their three-match T20I series against the West Indies. Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and top-order batter Jason Smith have been called up for the first time.
The Proteas are currently in the West Indies playing a two-match Test series. After the first game of the tour ended in a draw, the visitors will be looking to win the second match and win the Test series. Post that, the action will shift to the T20Is where both sides will lock horns in the shortest format of the game.
Commenting on the squad, South Africa's head coach Rob Walter said in a statement:
“Several players were not considered for this series due to either injury, being in a conditioning block that is related to workload management, or their participation in ongoing T20 leagues."
Young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who made a mark during the 2024 ICC Men's U-19 World Cup, and top order batter Jason Smith have been called up to the squad for the very first time.
Speaking on their inclusion, Walter said:
"We’re excited to have Jason [Smith] and Kwena [Maphaka] join the squad for this series. Jason’s recent performances have been impressive, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to our line-up."
Adding to that, Walter had the following to say about the 18-year-old quick:
“Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience.”
You can find the tweet below:
South Africa's squad for the West Indies T20Is: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa lost the T20I series before the ICC Mens T20 World Cup against the West Indies
In the lead-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, South Africa toured the Caribbean with a second-string side for a three-match T20I series. Led by Rassie van der Dussen, the visitors were blanked out 0-3 with the West Indies taking all the honors in that series. Many of South Africa's star players, including captain Aiden Markram, were in India honouring their IPL commitments.
Post that tour, South Africa had a terrific run in the ICC Men's T20 World. Pitted in Group D alongside Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Netherlands, the Proteas managed to top the group, winning all their four matches. They were then placed in Super 8 Group 2 alongside hosts West Indies, co-hosts USA, and England, where they emerged unbeaten and managed to secure their place in the semi-finals.
They were up against an upbeat Afghanistan, whom they beat by nine wickets before being handed a gut-wrenching seven-run loss at the hands of the eventual champions, Team India.
South Africa will take on the West Indies in the T20I series, starting on August 23. The second and the third game of the tour will be played on August 24 and August 27. All matches will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tauroba, Trinidad.
