South Africa has unveiled its 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the USA and the West Indies. Aiden Markram, stepping into the role of T20I skipper for the first time in an ICC event, will lead the Proteas in their pursuit of victory.
The squad selection includes some notable inclusions, with Anrich Nortje and Quinton de Kock making their return. Both players were recently omitted from Cricket South Africa’s central contract list. Nortje, recuperating from a back injury sustained in September 2023, is set to make his international comeback. Meanwhile, De Kock, who retired from ODIs following the 2023 Cricket World Cup, brings his vast experience to the squad.
Ryan Rickelton and Ottniel Baartman, standout performers in the recent SA20 tournament, have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Rickelton emerged as the leading run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 530 runs at an impressive average of 58.88 and a strike rate of 173.77. Baartman’s stellar performance, claiming 18 wickets in eight matches for defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, secured his spot in the squad.
The Proteas boast a formidable batting lineup comprising Markram, De Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and the promising Tristan Stubbs. Leading the pace attack will be Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, supported by Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. Spin duties will be handled by Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi, providing a well-rounded bowling attack.
South Africa Squad:
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Ottniel Baartman
- Gerald Coetzee
- Quinton de Kock
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Reeza Hendricks
- Marco Jansen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Keshav Maharaj
- David Miller
- Anrich Nortje
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Tristan Stubbs
Travelling Reserves:
- Nandre Burger
- Lungi Ngidi
Reflecting on the squad selection, coach Rob Walter acknowledged the challenging task of finalizing the squad amidst stiff competition and impressive performances. He extended his congratulations to the two uncapped players, Ryan and Ottniel, highlighting their potential contributions to the team. Walter expressed confidence in the squad’s capabilities, emphasizing their readiness to compete at the highest level.
As anticipation builds for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa’s squad presents a blend of experience and emerging talent, poised to make an impact on the global stage. With a well-balanced squad and a determined captain in Aiden Markram, the Proteas aim to showcase their prowess and challenge for T20 cricket’s ultimate prize.