Speedster Anrich Nortje is all set to return to action after a long injury lay-off, as South Africa included him in the 15 member squad for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan next month. Lungi Ngidi too has made the cut after being sidelined with injury.
South Africa have a tough group with England, Australia and Afghanistan occupying the other 3 places. We can easily call it the group of death and it would take a mammoth effort from all teams to qualify for the Semis.
The Proteas, however, look good and having qualified for the WTC Finals in June would be roaring with confidence under the leadership of Temba Bavuma. Heinrich Klassen, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen return to the squad giving some tough spine to South Africa’s middle order. The bowling looks assured too with Rabada, Nortje, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj the regulars in the team.
The Springboks have a tremendous team and in my opinion would be one of the favourites to qualify for the semi-finals.
The Squad: Temba Bavuma ( c ), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klassen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickleton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.
South Africa ‘s Group Stage Fixtures:
February 21 – vs Afghanistan, Karachi
February 25 – vs Australia, Rawalpindi
March 1 – vs England, Karachi