New faces set to shine as Proteas unveil fresh talent for Ireland and Afghanistan Series

Talking about the fresh faces, Walter said, “We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months. This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027.” 

Additionally, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen have not been included in either the ODI or T20I squads. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, having recovered from a right calf injury, has been named in all three squads. Kwena Maphaka, who made his debut against the West Indies, is absent due to his final school examinations. Donovan Ferreira is the only player from the West Indies T20I series not to be included in this tour, while Matthew Breetzke has been added to the T20I squad.

South Africa ODI squad against Afghanistan: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams