South Africa are all set to take on Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series. AFG vs SA 1st ODI is being played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and all three matches will be played at the same venue. Temba Bavuma leads the Proteas in the series.
Afghanistan 2024 tour of South Africa consists of only three ODI games and this is the first bilateral ODI series between the two sides. The visitors have a 100 percent winning record against the hosts; Won both the previous clashes during ODI World Cups.
The Proteas are short of some key bowlers in the ODI series. However, in their absence, they recruited some up-and-coming youngsters. Below, we take a look at the XI they will play in their first game against the Afghan side.
South Africa vs Afghanistan 11 Overs – 1st ODI, Afghanistan vs South Africa in UAE 2024
Tony de Zorzi
Tony de Zorzi would open for South Africa in the first game. The left-handed batsman played in 5 ODIs and scored 276 runs at an average of 69+ with 1 ton.
Reeza Hendricks
Reeza Hendricks will be South Africa’s other opener in the opening match against Afghanistan. He is quite an experienced batsman for the side with over 34 ODIs where he has scored 1 ton and 7 fifties.
Take Bavuma (C).
Temba Bavuma is South Africa’s captain in the ODI series against Afghanistan and will lead the team in the first match. He will bat one-down and aim for a clean sweep against the hosts.
Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram will bat in the middle order and is an important member of the Proteas in the series. He can also handle the ball with his spin bowling.
Tristan Stubbs (WK)
Tristan Stubbs will play goalkeeper and will be in the middle order. He has been in fine form in recent series including the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies.
Andile Phelukwey
Andile Phehlukwayo will be the all-rounder for the side. He was instrumental in the team’s victory against Afghanistan during the ODI World Cup last year.
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Wian Mulder
South Africa can also add Wiaan Mulder to the XI as he can contribute with both bat and ball. The right-handed batsman has 82 runs and 12 wickets in 15 games.
Bjorn Fortuin
He will be an important spinner for the side in the absence of names like Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj and Tabreez Shamsi. He has played 5 ODI matches and has 6 wickets.
Good luck
Lungi Ngidi is the most experienced pacer for the team in the ODI series against Afghanistan. The right-arm pacer will lead the pace attack against the hosts.
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I heard burger
Nandre Burger could be another speedster in the starting XI. He has done a decent job since his debut for the team in international cricket. The left-arm pacer has played several games in all three formats.
Lizaad Williams
Lizaad Williams is another pacer who will be a part of the opening game. The right-armer has 5 wickets in 4 ODIs so far for the Proteas.
