South Africa has revealed their squads for an exciting white-ball series against Afghanistan and Ireland, set to take place in the UAE this September and October. The tour begins with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, followed by T20Is and ODIs against Ireland. Head coach Rob Walter announced a blend of seasoned and emerging talents to represent the Proteas in this key international series.
A significant highlight of the squad selection is the inclusion of Andile Simelane, who has earned his first call-up after impressive performances for the Emerging and ‘A’ squads. Simelane will feature in all three squads across both formats.
Additionally, Jason Smith and Nqaba Peter, both previously capped in T20 internationals, have been named in the 50-over squad, positioning them for potential ODI debuts.
Another boost for the Proteas is the return of pace bowler Lungi Ngidi, who has recovered from a calf injury that kept him out for much of the past year. Although Ngidi was part of the T20 World Cup squad earlier in the year, he didn’t feature in any matches. He is now fully fit and included in all three squads.
Temba Bavuma will captain the ODI side for both series, while Aiden Markram will lead the Proteas in the T20Is. The South African squad for the Afghanistan series will depart for the UAE on September 14, with the opening ODI set for September 18 in Sharjah.
Walter explained the selection process by noting the opportunity to develop new talent while continuing to build toward the 50-over World Cup in 2027. “This tour is a chance to broaden our player base and give international exposure to those who’ve impressed in domestic and emerging competitions,” Walter said.
ODI Squad vs Afghanistan:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
T20I Squad vs Ireland:
Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams.
ODI Squad vs Ireland
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
Afghanistan’s Squad and Challenges
On the Afghanistan side, the series is a momentous occasion, as it marks the first time they will host South Africa in a bilateral series. However, Afghanistan will be without top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, who has been ruled out with an ankle sprain. Additionally, frontline spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is still recovering from a finger injury and will also miss the series.
To fill in the gaps, Afghanistan has called up Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli. Malik has been a standout performer in domestic List A competitions, while Rasooli, who has seven T20I caps, has impressed with consistent performances in both the List A Cup and SCL9. Star spinner Rashid Khan, who missed Afghanistan’s last ODI series, returns to bolster the squad.
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Naseeb Khan expressed excitement about the historic series, noting that facing a team like South Africa will be a valuable experience for Afghanistan.
Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil highlighted the inclusion of younger players like Abdul Malik and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who will provide much-needed depth and cover for the injured players.
Afghanistan’s ODI Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik.
Against South Africa:
1st ODI: 18 September, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
2nd ODI: 20 September, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
3rd ODI: 22 September, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Against Ireland:
1st T20I: 27 September, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
2nd T20I: 29 September, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
1st ODI: 02 October, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
2nd ODI: 04 October, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
3rd ODI: 07 October, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
This series will serve as a crucial platform for both teams as they look to build momentum and solidify their squads ahead of future international tournaments.
