South Africa make changes to first tri-series ODI squad

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has reinforced its squad by adding two experienced players for their opening match in the upcoming tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand. The match is set to take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 10.

According to CSA, left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and right-arm pacer Lungi Ngidi have been included in the 12-member squad for the crucial fixture.

“Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi have been added to the squad for South Africa’s first match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand on 10 February,” CSA announced.

With a combined international experience of 249 matches, Shamsi and Ngidi will provide much-needed depth to a young squad captained by Temba Bavuma. Ngidi last featured in an ODI against Ireland in October, while Shamsi recently played in the series against Pakistan in December.

The Proteas’ squad includes six uncapped players—Matthew Breetzke, Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, and Mihlali Mpongwana—filling in for key players currently participating in the SA20 league.

Meanwhile, right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee, originally part of the preliminary squad, has been ruled out of both the tri-series and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 due to a groin injury. Reports suggest young all-rounder Corbin Bosch and fast bowler Lutho Sipamla are the leading candidates to replace Coetzee for the Champions Trophy.

South Africa Squad for First Tri-Series ODI Match:

Batters: Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke
Wicketkeepers: Kyle Verrynne, Meeka-eel Prince
All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy
Bowlers: Junior Dala, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi