Temba Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks ruled out of T20I series against Pakistan

In what comes as a major blow to the South African side, limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the T20I series against Pakistan after he suffered a Grade One hamstring injury in the third ODI between South Africa and Pakistan at Centurion.

Also, Reeza Hendricks will not be available for South Africa for the entire T20I series against Babar Azam and his men as he will be with his family for the birth of his child.

Rassie van der Dussen will not take part in the series as he is still recovering from his Grade One muscle strain. It has also been confirmed that Dwaine Pretorius has still not got medical clearance to play in the series against Pakistan as he is recuperating from his rib fracture.

Heinrich Klaasen to lead South Africa

With Temba Bavuma ruled out of the T20I series, Heinrich Klaasen will don the skipper’s hat. Already, the Proteas will be without a number of stalwarts for the T20I series against Pakistan. The likes of David Miller, Quinton De Kock, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi have all departed to India to take part in the hugely awaited 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Pakistan side got the better of South Africa in the three-match ODI series. Even though all three matches were closely fought, Babar Azam and his men won the series 2-1. Pakistan has been in excellent form in T20I cricket in the recent past and has won 7 out of the last 10 matches that they have played. On the other hand, South Africa has been in abysmal form in T20I cricket.

In their last 11 matches, the Proteas have lost 9 of them, and will desperately be looking for a turnaround. This series will also serve as the ideal breeding ground for both sides for the all-important T20 World Cup that will take place in India later this year.

Here is South Africa’s T20I squad for the T20I series against Pakistan:

Heinrich Klaasen (captain, wicket-keeper), Bjorn Fortuin, Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman Malan, Sisanda Magala, Wiaan Mulder, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Kyle Verreynne, Pite van Biljon, Daryn Dupavillon, Migael Pretorius, Lizaad Williams, Wihan Lubbe.