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Johannesburg, September 9 (HS). Jason Smith, Nkaba Peter and Mdile Simelane have been included in South Africa's ODI squad for the first time for the upcoming series against Afghanistan and Ireland in the United Arab Emirates.
South Africa will play three ODIs against Afghanistan in Sharjah from September 18. After this, two T20 and three ODIs will be played against Ireland in Abu Dhabi from September 27.
Legspinner Peter and allrounder Jason made their T20I debuts earlier this year against West Indies in May and August 2024 respectively. Peter has played two matches and taken three wickets, while Jason has played only one match and scored six runs.
However, for Simelane this is his first call-up to the international squad. The 21-year-old all-rounder has been identified as a high-potential talent and was part of the recently concluded Zimbabwe's South Africa Emerging Tour in August. He also represented South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in a one-day series.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has recovered from a right calf injury and has been included in all three squads. He did not feature in the three-match T20 series against the West Indies in August.
Head coach Rob Walter said that these tours will allow young and marginal South African players to gain some experience from international conditions, and the selection of youngsters is to expand the pool of players to prepare for major upcoming 2027 ICC tournaments such as the domestic World Cup. We have decided to give an opportunity to some marginal players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months. This is a deliberate move on the part of the management, in line with our goal of creating 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.
South Africa will fly to the UAE on September 14.
South Africa ODI squad against Afghanistan:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottniel Bartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nkaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Lizad Williams.
South Africa T20 squad against Ireland:
Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Bartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nkaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa ODI squad against Ireland:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottniel Bartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nkaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassi van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams
