Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa’s predicted squad

The coveted Champions Trophy is making its return for the first time, since the 2017 edition which was won by Pakistan. This time the matches will be hosted in Pakistan and the UAE. Notably, the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will be the ninth edition of the global competition. Eight teams - India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, England, New Zealand, and Afghanistan are set to compete for the silverware. For the marquee event, the teams have been divided into two groups comprising four teams each.

Notably, the tournament will get underway on February 19, with the hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium, in Karachi. The last match in the group stage will see Team India locking horns with the Kiwis on March 2, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai. Meanwhile, the summit clash will be played on March 9.

South Africa won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1998 in Bangladesh. Back then, the Champions Trophy was known as the ICC KnockOut Tournament. The Proteas haven't played a final since then. In the previous edition, they crashed out in the group stage. Temba Bavuma and Co. recently suffered a 0-3 whitewash at home against Pakistan. They will look to get back to winning ways in the upcoming tri-series involving New Zealand and Pakistan in Multan before the Champions Trophy gets underway.

With ICC's deadline for submitting the squad being on January 12, the selectors will look to announce the final roster by the end of this week.

Here's South Africa's Predicted squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

Top-order - Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen:

Captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi are expected to open the innings for South Africa. However, the in-form Ryan Rickelton is pushing his case for a spot at the top of the order, especially after his stunning 259 against Pakistan in the second Test, played in Cape Town, recently.

Rassie van der Dussen didn't look in great nick in the ODIs against Pakistan and his place in the playing XI could also be in jeopardy. However, his experience could be key in a global event like the Champions Trophy.

Middle order - Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs:

The South African middle order looks quite formidable, with big hitters like Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs in the ranks. Meanwhile, Vice Captain Aiden Markram has the ability to anchor the innings and change gears when needed.

If the top-order can give them a platform, these batters know how to capitalize and wreak havoc through the middle overs and at the backend. Markram, Klaasen, and Miller are expected to start, while Stubbs might have to wait for his chance.

Also Check- Champions Trophy 2025: Australia's predicted squad

All-rounders - Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch:

All rounder Marco Jansen has improved both facets of his game and is one of the best seam-bowling all-rounders in modern-day cricket. The left-arm seamer has played 26 ODIs and scored 461 runs at an average of 27.12 and a strike rate of 107.71. Meanwhile, with the ball, he has picked 41 wickets at an average of 32. Jansen has the ability to pick up early wickets with the new ball and get some quick runs with the bat in the death overs.

Corbin Bosch is a seam-bowling all-rounder who has only played one Test and as many ODI so far but has shown promising signs. He might be new to the international circuit but has a lot of experience in domestic cricket. The 30-year-old may just pip the likes of Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder.

Also Check: Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan’s predicted squad

Bowlers - Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi:

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are expected to form a seam-bowling troika alongside Marco Jansen in South Africa's playing XI. Nortje recently missed the series against Pakistan after fracturing his toe. However, he is expected to recover before the tri-series.

His pace and the ability to take wickets in the middle overs will be vital to South Africa's chances. Meanwhile, Rabada is going to spearhead the attack. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi could be the two spinners the Proteas take to the marquee event. They have cumulatively played 97 ODIs and have a lot of experience in international cricket.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: India’s predicted squad

South Africa’s Probable squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi.