South Africa has unveiled its 12-member squad for the first match of the upcoming ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, scheduled from February 8 to 14. The selection includes six uncapped players and marks the return of fit-again pacer Gerald Coetzee.
Gerald Coetzee Makes a Comeback
Gerald Coetzee, who missed the SA20 due to a hamstring injury, has made a successful recovery. His return is a significant boost for the Proteas, especially after it was confirmed that Anrich Nortje will miss the Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19.
New Players Added to the Squad
South Africa has handed maiden ODI call-ups to six players: batters Matthew Bretzkee and Meeka-eel Prince, pacers Eathan Bosch and Gideon Peters, all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana, and spinner Senuran Muthusamy. This fresh lineup reflects the team’s strategy of testing new talent ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Players Selected for the First Match
Head coach Rob Walter has announced only a 12-member squad for South Africa’s first match against New Zealand on February 10 in Lahore. Additional players will join the squad after the SA20 eliminator between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings.
Full Squad for the First Match:
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- Gerald Coetzee
- Jason Smith
- Wiaan Mulder
- Matthew Bretzkee
- Meeka-eel Prince
- Kyle Verreynne
- Junior Dala
- Eathan Bosch
- Gideon Peters
- Mihlali Mpongwana
- Senuran Muthusamy
Experienced Players to Join Later
Key ODI players, including Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj, and Tony de Zorzi, are expected to join the squad later.
Schedule for Pakistan Tri-Series 2025
The Proteas will play two matches against New Zealand and Pakistan, with a potential third match if they qualify for the final.
Match Dates:
- February 8 (Saturday): Pakistan vs New Zealand – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- February 10 (Monday): South Africa vs New Zealand – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- February 12 (Wednesday): Pakistan vs South Africa – National Stadium, Karachi
- February 14 (Friday): TBD vs TBD – National Stadium, Karachi