With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Pakistan are set to host a crucial ODI tri-series featuring New Zealand and South Africa. This series will serve as an essential platform for all three teams to finalize their combinations and assess squad depth ahead of the marquee ICC tournament. The competition is expected to provide high-intensity clashes, offering teams a chance to test their bench strength.
Temba Bavuma to lead the Proteas
South Africa have named an initial 12-man squad for their opening match of the tri-series against New Zealand on February 10. The team will be led by experienced batter Temba Bavuma, who will look to guide a relatively fresh squad in the absence of several senior players. The Proteas are likely to experiment with new combinations as they prepare for a busy international season.
Six uncapped players included in South Africa’s lineup
A major highlight of the squad announcement is the inclusion of six uncapped players, indicating South Africa’s intent to explore fresh talent. Matthew Breetzke, Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, and Mihlali Mpongwana are the players set to make their mark on the international stage. Additionally, South Africa have received a boost with the return of Gerald Coetzee, who has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the SA20.
Also READ: New Zealand unveil star-studded squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan
More players to join the squad soon
The Proteas’ squad for the first game is incomplete, as more players will be added following the result of the SA20 Eliminator on February 5. Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen, who played for the already-eliminated Durban’s Super Giants, will join the squad ahead of their second clash against Pakistan on February 9. The rest of the squad for the remaining matches will be announced on the same day.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s core group for the ICC Champions Trophy—including Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen—will depart for Pakistan on February 14 to join the squad later in the series.
South Africa squad for the first game of tri-series:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, and Kyle Verreynne.