South Africa’s limited-overs captain, Temba Bavuma, has reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards and delivering results, even as the Proteas look to build squad depth ahead of a busy international calendar. The Proteas are set to play Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series, starting in Sharjah on Wednesday—their first outing since their World Cup semi-final defeat to Australia last year.
Several key players, including David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada, have been rested for the Afghanistan series, as well as the upcoming matches against Ireland. In their place, leg-spinner Nqaba Peter and all-rounders Jason Smith and Andile Simelane have been given an opportunity to shine, signaling the management’s intent to widen the talent pool.
“We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months,” white-ball coach Rob Walter said when the squads were announced last week. “This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from as we prepare for major ICC tournaments over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027.”
Despite the focus on squad rotation, Bavuma made it clear that the team cannot afford to let results slip, insisting that excellence and winning must remain at the heart of the team’s ethos.
“I understand the bigger picture in terms of widening the depth in the team,” Bavuma said before the team’s departure to the UAE. “In the same vein, from a competitor’s point of view, winning is the main thing. That is why we train. That, at least, is something I will be stressing within the team—we can’t allow our standards and level of excellence to drop.”
“Even with all the experimenting we’re doing, we have to make sure we are still prioritising the results,” he added, reinforcing that building a successful team culture goes hand in hand with development.
Eye on the Champions Trophy
The Proteas’ star players are expected to return for the home ODI series against Pakistan in December, which will serve as key preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Bavuma sees this as an important step in solidifying the team’s plans for the tournament.
“I want to get the team heading in the right direction, the right momentum flowing,” Bavuma explained. “And then in the Pakistan series, we will have a better idea when all the guys are back from being rested. That will start giving us a clearer direction for what the Champions Trophy side will look like.”
With the likes of Miller, Klaasen, and Rabada set to rejoin the squad in December, Bavuma and the Proteas will use the Afghanistan and Ireland series to assess their options and build towards a competitive side for the Champions Trophy.
Afghanistan Series Overview
The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan will mark the first time South Africa faces the rising cricketing power since their clash at the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan, known for their resilient performances and exceptional spin bowlers, will present a challenge on the Sharjah surfaces.
For the Proteas, this tour is as much about experimentation as it is about maintaining form, with the likes of Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, and Lungi Ngidi set to play crucial roles. Younger players like Nqaba Peter and Andile Simelane will look to seize the opportunity to cement their spots in future squads.
The Proteas will also play Ireland in both T20I and ODI series after their Afghanistan matches, with the first T20I taking place on September 27 in Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan vs Proteas (ODI series)
- 18 September: 1st ODI, Sharjah
- 20 September: 2nd ODI, Sharjah
- 22 September: 3rd ODI, Sharjah
Ireland vs Proteas (T20I series)
- 27 September: 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
- 29 September: 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
Ireland vs Proteas (ODI series)
- 2 October: 1st ODI, Abu Dhabi
- 4 October: 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
- 7 October: 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
Proteas ODI squad vs Afghanistan: Temba Bavuma (c), 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.
Proteas T20I squad vs Ireland: Aiden Markram (c), 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.
Proteas ODI squad vs Ireland: Temba Bavuma (c), 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.
Bavuma’s focus on balancing squad development with a winning mentality will be crucial as South Africa navigates these upcoming series, all while keeping an eye on future ICC tournaments.
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