South Africa has revealed its 15-member squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States and the West Indies starting June 1.
Highlighted among the selections is the return of fast bowler Anrich Nortje to the T20 international arena following a year-long absence due to injuries. Additionally, the uncapped duo of batsman Ryan Rickelton and seamer Ottniel Baartman have earned their spots in the squad.
Nortje’s comeback is eagerly anticipated despite his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League, where he posted a concerning economy rate of 13.36 runs per over across six matches. Meanwhile, Rickelton’s stellar performances in the SA20 competition, where he topped the scoring charts with 530 runs at an average of 58.88, have merited his inclusion. Baartman’s impressive tally of 18 wickets in eight T20 matches further bolsters South Africa’s bowling lineup.
The squad will be led by Aiden Markram, who will have the support of seasoned hitters such as Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Tristan Stubbs. In a strategic move, South Africa has opted for three frontline spinners: Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi, with Markram himself providing a useful slow bowling option.
Commenting on the squad selection, South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter acknowledged the challenge of making choices amidst recent T20 cricket action but expressed confidence in the selected squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. The team will prepare for the tournament with a three-match T20 series in the West Indies.
In Group D of the T20 World Cup, South Africa will encounter Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. They begin their campaign against Sri Lanka in New York on June 3, aiming to leave a mark in a tournament where they are yet to secure the title in either the 50- or 20-over format.
