South Africa Unveils Squad for T20 World Cup 2024
Here are the squads announced for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 so far.
Aiden Markram is set to spearhead South Africa’s campaign in an ICC event for the first time, having been appointed as the T20I captain. The Proteas have unveiled their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be held in the USA and West Indies.
Notably, Anrich Nortje and Quinton de Kock have been included, despite their recent omission from Cricket South Africa’s central contract list. Nortje has been absent from international cricket since September 2023 due to a back injury, while De Kock retired from ODIs post the 2023 Cricket World Cup, having already retired from Test cricket in 2022.
The South African opener showcased impressive form during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Ryan Rickelton and Ottniel Baartman, who delivered stellar performances in the recent SA20 tournament, are the two uncapped T20I players in the squad. Rickelton emerged as the top run-scorer in the tournament with 530 runs at an average of 58.88 and a strike rate of 173.77 for MI Cape Town, while Baartman claimed 18 wickets in eight matches for defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Alongside the fresh faces, the Proteas boast a robust batting lineup featuring Markram, De Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and the promising Tristan Stubbs.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Nortje, with Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee providing support. Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi will serve as the primary spinners.
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 and Lungi Ngidi.
Heinrich Klaasen delivered a stunning performance against Reece Topley in the 45th over of the England-South Africa ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup encounter.
Reflecting on the squad selection, coach Rob Walter stated, “Choosing this group was extremely challenging given the amount of T20 cricket played recently and the form displayed. I want to congratulate the two uncapped players, Ryan and Ottniel, on their selection.
“We have witnessed some remarkable performances from our players in 2024, which made my job incredibly tough. However, I am proud and confident that we have named the strongest possible squad that undoubtedly has a solid chance of success in the West Indies and USA.”
South Africa will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on 3 June, against Sri Lanka in New York.