The Proteas are all set to go in the World Cup as they announced their full strength team for the World Cup 2026. They missed the opportunity of becoming World Cup winners in the last segment. Their recent performances proved they can be one of the sides that can give tough fights in the field.
The T20I World Cup 2026 will start from the 7th February and they have placed in group D along with UAE, Afghanistan, Canada and New Zealand. Aiden Markram will lead their side. A few big names have missed out from the squad, stalwarts players like Rabada made his return to the side.
"We have had to make some big calls, but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka. We have assembled a world-class squad with some of the finest and most experienced players in the game, together with some of the best T20 youngsters coming through," Convenor Selector for the Proteas Men Patrick Moroney said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
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A team full of Surprises
South Africa has been experimenting with their middle order for a long time, they have failed to find a backup Henrich Klassen who recently announced his international retirement. Tristan Stubbs who was projected as one of the white ball regulars has not got a place in the team. Instead of that they went with Jason Smith, a 31-year-old batter who got his maiden call-up after giving solid performances for the Dolphins. Dewald Bravis also retained his place in the middle and got a maiden opportunity to appear in the World Cup.
Ryan Rickelton also missed out on the squad. De Kock will do the work behind the wicket. Donavan Ferreira also got a place in the squad.
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Fast bowlers who played in the India series, Ottneil Baartman and Lutho Sipamla, have been left out, along with top-order batter Reeza Hendricks. South Africa went with their full strength attack consisting of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, along with stalwart fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. His return to the squad will surely boost the confidence of the team.
George Linde and Keshav Maharaj will handle the spin department.
South Africa’s World Cup team
Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock(WK), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Tony de Zorzi, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith.
