Who will stand out in South Africa’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan?
Matthew Breetzke and Ottniel Baartman have a point to prove after earning their first T20I call-ups under all-format Proteas men’s head coach Shukri Conrad.
Ottniel Baartman
The right-arm fast bowler is finally back in the Proteas T20 squad after being overlooked during the Zimbabwe, Australia and England tours. Having last played for South Africa against Pakistan in December, Baartman returns for the first time in the green and gold under Conrad’s tenure.
A key figure in South Africa’s journey to the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, the seamer will be eager to stake a claim in the Proteas’ T20I setup.
Matthew Breetzke
Having received his maiden international cap in the T20I format — only to struggle to cement his spot — Breetzke returns for the Pakistan series as a replacement for the injured, experienced batter David Miller.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form in the One-Day International format and will be hoping to carry that form into the series. Coming off two centuries in the Four-Day Series at home, Breetzke enters the contest full of confidence.
Tony de Zorzi
De Zorzi finally gets an opportunity in the T20 format after scoring a century and a half-century during the Test series in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The left-handed batter will be looking to carry that momentum into the T20Is and guide the younger players in conditions where he thrives.
Lhuan-dré Pretorius
The 19-year-old batting prodigy gets an extended lifeline in the T20 format after quiet tours to Australia and England. The youngster will most likely open the batting alongside his childhood hero, Quinton de Kock — a partnership that could accelerate his development in international cricket.
Pretorius will be hoping to make an impact in Pakistan and put himself firmly in contention for a place in South Africa’s squad for the 2025 T20 World Cup.
Andile Simelane
Simelane has shown flashes of brilliance in international cricket since making his debut about a year ago. However, the 22-year-old is yet to cement his place in the side as he competes with the likes of Corbin Bosch for a role among the pace-bowling all-rounders.
Simelane will be hoping to make his mark with both bat and ball as Conrad continues his search for the right balance heading towards the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
