South Africa has announced its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with young pacer Kwena Maphaka and top-order batter Jason Smith making the cut. Smith’s selection is based on his recent impressive performances, earning him a spot over Tristan Stubbs. Smith, who debuted in T20I in 2024, has been in good form with a strike-rate of 128.30, currently playing for MI Cape Town in SA20.
Rickelton couldn’t secure a place in the squad due to the presence of top-order options like captain Aiden Markram and wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock. Alongside Smith and Maphaka, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, and George Linde have also received their first T20 World Cup call-ups. The team is set to play in Group D of the tournament against Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.
Head coach Shukri Conrad mentioned that the team’s experience from playing in similar conditions during their recent tour to India will be advantageous. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are notable inclusions in the squad, with Rabada returning after recovering from a rib injury and Nortje being the leading wicket-taker in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. The Proteas will kick off their campaign on February 9 against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
