South Africa adds players to their squad for the first ODI of the tri-nation series

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Friday that two experienced international players, left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and right-arm pacer Lungi Ngidi, have been added to the squad for their first match of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand. The match is scheduled to take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 10.

CSA confirmed the additions, stating, “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.”

Both Shamsi and Ngidi bring valuable experience to a relatively young squad. Shamsi has played 125 international matches, while Ngidi has featured in 124. Their inclusion is expected to provide leadership and support to the team, which is being captained by Temba Bavuma.

Ngidi last played an ODI in October 2023 against Ireland, while Shamsi was part of South Africa’s most recent series in the format against Pakistan in December 2023.

South Africa’s squad for the series also includes six uncapped players, such as Matthew Breetzke, Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, and Mihlali Mpongwana. Several key players are currently participating in the ongoing SA20 competition, which is why the squad features these younger players.

The Proteas’ preliminary squad had originally included right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee, but he was ruled out of the tri-nation series and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 after sustaining a groin injury during a training session. Reports indicate that fast-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch and pacer Lutho Sipamla are the leading candidates to replace Coetzee for the Champions Trophy.

Here is the South Africa squad for the first match of the tri-nation ODI series:

Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verrynne, Meeka-eel Prince, Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Junior Dala, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi

The tri-nation ODI series is set to provide South Africa with an opportunity to fine-tune their squad ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.