South Africa announce Champions Trophy squad: Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi return after long injury layoff | Cricket News
South Africa has included fast bowlers Anrich Notje and Lungi Ngidi in their Champions Trophy squad, which will be played in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9.
Anrich Nortje has not in the 50-over format since September 2023. The pacer had been sidelined with a stress fracture in his back, forcing him to miss the 2023 ODI World Cup 2023 and South Africa’s home summer.
Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi has been out of international cricket since October 2024 due to a groin injury.
Temba Bavuma will lead the 15-member squad. South Africa have largely stuck with the core group that powered them to the semi-finals of the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, retaining 10 of the 15 players for the Champions Trophy.
South Africa are in group B of the Champions Trophy and begins their campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21. They then play Australia in Rawalpindi on February 25 and their final group game is against England on March 1.
“This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this,” Cricket South Africa white-ball head coach Rob Walter.
“We’ve managed to maintain the core group of our 2023 World Cup squad, whilst adding fresh talent.
“Our recent performances at ICC events show that we’re capable of reaching the latter stages of global tournaments. We’re eager to take the next step and go even further in pursuit of the coveted silverware.
“We’re also looking forward to Imraan joining our support staff. He will be a great asset as we look to strengthen our batting and continue improving as a unit.”
South Africa will also play a tri-series against New Zealand and Pakistan from February 8 to 14 for Champions Trophy preparation.
South Africa squad
Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa’s fixture
Friday 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – National Stadium, Karachi
February 25: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
March 1: South Africa vs England – National Stadium, Karachi
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