Johannesburg, 2 January: South Africa has announced its squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, appointing Aiden Markram as the captain. The team features young fast bowler Kwena Mafaka and top-order batsman Jason Smith. However, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs did not make the cut.
Jason Smith earned his place due to his impressive recent form. Smith made his T20 debut in 2024 and maintains a strike rate of 128.30. He is currently playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league.
Alongside Smith and Mafaka, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, and George Linde have been selected for the T20 World Cup squad for the first time.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said, “We are returning to the subcontinent, where we recently played against the host India. The experience gained in those conditions will definitely benefit us in this tournament. Many players selected for the World Cup were part of that tour and have faced similar pitches, which will help when we arrive in India. Before departing for the World Cup, we will play a T20 series against the West Indies, with the team for that series to be announced later this month.”
Kagiso Rabada, who missed the recent white-ball tour of India due to a rib injury, has been included in the World Cup team. The squad also includes fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who is South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cups.
The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on 7 February, with the final scheduled for 8 March. South Africa has been placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their campaign will start on 9 February against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
South Africa Team: Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Mafaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Jason Smith.
–
Daily Kiran
Leave a Comment