Gerald Coetzee returns as South Africa names squad for ODI tri-series in Pakistan

Right-arm seamer Gerald Coetzee has made his return to the South African squad after recovering from a left hamstring injury as the Proteas announced their squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan. South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, named a 12-man squad for the first match, including Coetzee, who last played for the national team against Sri Lanka in the first Test on November 27, 2024, before being sidelined due to injury.

The squad also features several fresh faces, with six uncapped players included in the Temba Bavuma-led side. Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, and Mihali Mpongwana are yet to make their international debuts, while Matthew Breetzke has previously played in Tests and T20Is. Senuran Muthusamy, who has featured in four Test matches for South Africa, is also part of the squad.

South Africa’s squad for the remainder of the series will be updated after the conclusion of the ongoing SA20 league, with key players such as Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen expected to join from the second game.

The tri-series will commence on February 8, with New Zealand facing Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. South Africa will play their first match against New Zealand on February 10 in a day match. Following the initial games, the series will move from Rawalpindi to Karachi, where Pakistan will take on the Proteas on February 12 in a day-night fixture. The final of the tri-series is scheduled for February 14 in Karachi, just five days before the ICC Champions Trophy begins on February 19.

South Africa squad (For the first ODI): Temba Bavuma (capt), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne.