South Africa have received a significant boost with the return of Anrich Nortje, who is set to make his international comeback after a nine-month absence. The pace spearhead will be joined by two uncapped players, batter Ryan Rickelton and pacer Ottniel Baartman, in the squad for the T20 World Cup. Rickelton was the leading run-scorer in the SA20 with 530 runs, while Baartman bagged 18 wickets in eight matches for Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Batting Firepower and Spin Options
South Africa’s batting lineup boasts of experienced campaigners like Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller, alongside captain Aiden Markram and the promising Tristan Stubbs. The spin department will be led by Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, with Bjorn Fortuin also included in the squad. Markram and Stubbs provide additional spin-bowling options.
Preparations and Road Ahead
South Africa will kick off their preparations for the T20 World Cup with a three-match T20I series against the West Indies. However, the squad for this series is subject to change due to the availability of players currently involved in the IPL. Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in the selected squad, stating, “We have named the strongest possible squad that no doubt has every chance of success in the West Indies and USA.”
As part of Group D in the T20 World Cup, South Africa will face Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal in the group stage, with their opening match against Sri Lanka scheduled for June 3 in New York.
Squad: Aiden Markram (c), 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, Lungi Ngidi
