‌SA vs PAK | Stars align as bolstered South Africa set for Champions Trophy preparation against Pakistan 

Temba Bavuma is set to lead the Proteas Men side for the three ODI games against Pakistan at home. He last represented the nation in a 50-over game against Ireland in October before an injury setback kept him off the 22 yards. 

The South African setup is bolstered by the addition of experienced names sans Rabada, Klaasen, Miller, Markram, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Keshav Maharaj. Kwena Maphaka is the youngest in the lot who impressed the selectors by dishing out 152 kph deliveries during the ensuing T20I series against Pakistan. However, Reeza Hendricks, who failed to score even 20 in his last five outings, has been axed.

Unfortunately, Anrich Nortje missed out due to a calf injury and Ottneil Baartman retained his spot with Lizaad Williams and Lungi Ngidi shown the door after the Ireland ODIs. Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo are the bowling all-rounders in the side. Shamsi and Maharaj are the two spinners on the side as the former chose to play for his nation after opting for an independent contract to represent franchise teams.

"The bowling line-up features one of the fastest in the game in KG, and this series offers another great opportunity for a young talent like Kwena to come in and learn first-hand from the best. In the batting department, we are thrilled to welcome back David and Heinrich, two of the most destructive players in the game. Overall, we are very pleased with this squad,” Rob Walter, South Africa's white-ball coach expressed.

This could be the last time most of South Africa’s regulars get to square off together before the Champions Trophy. Although they’re scheduled to play a tri-series with New Zealand in Pakistan in Februate, few players could be unavailable as the series might clash with the fag end of the SA20. 

South Africa squad for Pakistan ODI series: Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen