South Africa squad for T20Is against Pakistan announced

The South African squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan was recently announced by the national cricket board. After the conclusion of the ongoing ODI assignment, South Africa are set to host Pakistan for a 3-match T20I series, commencing on February 1. The 14-man squad was announced, and as expected, the players were rewarded with call-ups based on their performances in the Mzansi Super League.

Among the many beneficiaries is Lutho Sipamla. The young 20-year old pacer played for the Tshwane Spartans in the league, and had pocketed 16 wickets in just 10 games. He was the second leading wicket taker of the season. The National Selection Panel convener Linda Zondi confirmed that Lutho’s selection was based on his spirited show in MSL.

Another new face added to the squad is keeper-batsman Gihahn Cloete. Cloete had made his international debut last year in the assignments against Zimbabwe. He will be hoping to make a mark against a much stronger Pakistani side now. The selectors see Cloete as a handy backup option after Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen.

“Lutho made a very good impression in the Mzansi Super League which is making a big contribution to our talent pipeline in helping to bridge the gap between franchise and international cricket,” said National Selection Panel convener Linda Zondi.

“Rassie van der Dussen, Beuran and Reeza Hendricks, Lutho Sipamla, Gihahn Cloete and Anrich Nortje were all standout players in the MSL and it is already reaping rich dividends for the future of South African cricket,” Zondi added further.

Rabada rested

Speedster Kagiso Rabada has been rested for the series. Clearly, the selectors are keeping in mind the workload of their premier pacer ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. Faf du Plessis will continue to lead the side in the T20Is.

South Africa squad for T20Is against Pakistan

Faf du Plessis (c), Gihahn Cloete, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller , Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Rassie van der Dussen

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