Injury-prone pacer Anrich Nortje was included in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month on Friday.
After a protracted struggle with ailments, the 32-year-old made a comeback last month when he participated in two international matches against India. With 15 wickets in nine games, he was South Africa’s top bowler in the 2024 World Cup.
Despite rarely representing their nation since the 2024 tournament, Nortje, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, and fellow pacer Kagiso Rabada were picked.
Since South Africa’s defeat by India in the 2024 final in Barbados, Rabada has only appeared in five of their 29 T20 international matches and has been used sparingly in the shortest format.
Due to a rib ailment, Rabada was unable to play in the Indian series but made a comeback in the SA20 franchise competition.
Since the Barbados match, Maharaj has only participated in five games.
Among the batters, there were a few surprises: Ryan Rickelton, veteran Reeza Hendricks, and Tristan Stubbs were left out, while Jason Smith and Tony de Zorzi, who each had just two T20I caps, were chosen.
“Big decisions” regarding the batting order had to be made, according to selection chairperson Patrick Moroney.
He stated that playing an attacking middle order with Dewald Brevis, David Miller, and Donovan Ferreira expected to play important roles and getting off to a solid start in the power play are crucial. He noted that De Zorzi, who is currently recuperating from a hamstring injury, was a top-order option while the hard-hitting Smith provided versatility.
In preparation for three T20 internationals against the West Indies later this month before they leave for India, Moroney said the SA20 gave the players a fantastic chance to polish their skills.
Despite only winning six of the 18 Twenty20 internationals in 2025, South Africa was rarely at full strength due to the injury or rest of important players. In all, 31 players participated in the games.
Squad: Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith
