South Africa arrives in Pakistan for ODI Tri-Series

South Africa’s national cricket team, led by Temba Bavuma, has arrived in Lahore ahead of the highly anticipated ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan and New Zealand. The Proteas landed in Pakistan on Friday as they prepare to compete in the tournament, which serves as a crucial lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19.

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa team arrives in Lahore for the ODI tri-series 🇿🇦🏏#3Nations1Trophy pic.twitter.com/oVVOSfTlzr

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 6, 2025

Pakistan Cricket’s official social media handle shared a video of the South African squad’s arrival, confirming their participation in the series. South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, had earlier named a 12-man squad for their opening match of the tournament, including fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, who has made a return after recovering from an injury setback. Coetzee last played for the Proteas on November 27, 2024, in a Test match against Sri Lanka before being sidelined.

The South African squad for the opening game includes six uncapped players, providing new opportunities for emerging talent. Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, and Mihali Mpongwana are yet to make their international debuts, while Matthew Breetzke has already played in Tests and T20Is. Senuran Muthusamy, who has experience in four Test matches, is also part of the initial squad. The team 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 onward.

The tri-series will commence with New Zealand facing Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 8, followed by a match between the Kiwis and South Africa on February 10, scheduled as a day fixture. The tournament will then shift venues, with Rawalpindi hosting Pakistan’s clash against South Africa in a day-night match on February 12. The final showdown of the tri-series will take place in Karachi on February 14, just five days before the ICC Champions Trophy officially begins.

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.