South Africa announce preliminary squad for ODI tri-nation series, six uncapped players included

South Africa have announced a 12-member lineup for their first game of the ODI tri-nation series against New Zealand. The Temba Bavuma-led side will consist of six uncapped players. More players will be joining the unit following the conclusion of the SA20 2025 Eliminator today.

The six uncapped players from the Proteas' squad are as follows: Matthew Breetzke, Meeka-eel Prince, Senuran Muthusamy, Mihlali Mpongwana, Eathan Bosch, and Gideon Peters. In what could be considered as an added lift-off, right-arm quick, Gerald Coetzee, is set to make a return to the team after being ruled out of the SA20 due to a hamstring injury. 

Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj, both of who featured for the already-eliminated Durban's Super Giants in the domestic franchise T20 tournament, will miss the first match of the upcoming series. The other members of the South African roster for the remainder of the tri-nation series will be announced on February 9, according to Cricbuzz.

The likes of Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada will all depart for Pakistan on February 14. 

South Africa's squad for the tri-nation series game vs New Zealand: Temba Bavuma (c), Jason Smith, Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne, Meeka-eel Prince (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Eathan Bosch, Gideon Peters.

The Proteas will be playing New Zealand in Lahore on February 10, followed by their clash against hosts, Pakistan, a couple of days later in Karachi. The final of the tri-nation series will be played on February 14, five days ahead of the commencement of the ninth instalment of the Champions Trophy.

As far as ICC tournaments are concerned, South Africa reached the semi-final of the World Cup in 2023 and the final of the T20 World Cup 2in 024, respectively. A bare minimum for them would be to reach the knockout stages of the marquee ODI tournament.