Lahore: The South African team, captained by Temba Bavuma, arrived in Lahore on Friday in preparation for the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring New Zealand and Pakistan.
Pakistan Cricket announced the arrival of the Proteas on X, sharing a video and stating, "Temba Bavuma-led South Africa team arrives in Lahore for the ODI tri-series."
On Wednesday, Rob Walter, the head coach for South Africa's white-ball format, announced a 12-man squad for the series opener, which includes Gerald Coetzee, who has returned from an injury.
Coetzee last played for South Africa prior to his injury during the first Test match against Sri Lanka on November 27, 2024.
As South Africa gears up for the first match of the ODI tri-series, the team features several fresh faces, with six uncapped players included in Bavuma's lineup.
Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, and Mihali Mpongwana are yet to make their international debuts, while Matthew Breetzke has previously participated in Tests and T20Is, and Senuran Muthusamy has played four Tests for the national team.
The squad will be revised for the remainder of the series after the ongoing SA20 league in South Africa concludes, with players such as Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen expected to join the team for the second match.
The tri-series is set to commence with New Zealand facing Pakistan at Gadaffi Stadium on February 8. Following this, the Kiwis will compete against South Africa on February 10 in a daytime match.
Once the initial two matches are completed, the ODI series will shift from Rawalpindi to Karachi, where Pakistan will take on South Africa in a day/night encounter on February 12.
The tri-series final is scheduled for February 14 at the same location, just five days prior to the tournament's opening match. This tri-series in Pakistan serves as a lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, which is slated to begin on February 19.
South Africa's squad for the first ODI includes: Temba Bavuma (captain), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, and Kyle Verreynne.
