Heinrich Klaasen to lead Proteas as Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi return

With Markram currently involved with Shukri Conrad's Test series against Sri Lanka ending a day before the first T20I against Pakistan next Tuesday, white-ball coach Rob Walter has opted to rest his regular skipper and turned instead to the experience of Klaasen.

Also sitting out of 15-player squad for the 20-over series scheduled for 10-14 December are Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs  – all of whom are partaking in the Sri Lanka red-ball series.

“All 15 players are capped, and we’re looking to build on the experience within the group as we continue to grow as a unit," commented Walter.

“In the absence of Aiden, Heinrich will lead the team. He is a vastly experienced player with a strong understanding and reading of the game. We look forward to utilising him in this role after his previous experiences in 2021."

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Meanwhile, the Proteas will be boosted by the return of senior bowlers Nortje and Shamsi, who have not featured since the T20 World Cup in the West Indies in June, as they look to regain sharpness.

"We're pleased to have Anrich and Tabraiz back in the squad. Their wealth of experience and skill significantly bolsters our bowling unit, enhancing both our pace and spin departments, which will be key against a strong Pakistan side," he added.

Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka, and Ryan Rickelton are set to join the squad following their Test commitments against Sri Lanka, while Shamsi's participation in the ongoing Global Super League in Guyana may affect his availability for the 1st T20I.

Proteas T20 Squad vs Pakistan: Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, and Rassie van der Dussen.

South Africa vs Pakistan T20 Fixtures:

Tuesday, 10 December at 18:00 - Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Friday, 13 December at 18:00 - SuperSport Park, Centurion

Saturday, 14 December at 18:00 - DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Catch all the matches LIVE on SABC Sport – details to follow on our official platforms.