Rob Walter, Proteas men’s white-ball head coach named an initial squad for the upcoming tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled from 08 - 14 February in Lahore and Karachi.
Walter initially named a 12-player squad for South Africa’s first match of the series against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 10 February but later confirmed that fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the tri-nation one - day series after experiencing tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at training on Wednesday morning (05 February) at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria. The injury setback means that Coetzee will also not be considered for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
While more players will be added to the squad following the Betway SA20 Eliminator between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings, a replacement will also be named for Coetzee.
ODI captain Temba Bavuma will lead the side, which includes six uncapped players in Dafabet Warriors batter Matthew Breetzke, North West University Dragons batter Meeka-eel Prince, and his domestic teammate, fast bowler Gideon Peters, along with Hollywoodbets Dolphins fast bowler Eathan Bosch and Warriors spinner Senuran Muthusamy.
World Sports Betting Western Province all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana has also been named in the squad. This is the 24-year-old’s second call-up to the 50-over setup after being part of the ODI squad against India in 2023.
Included in the squad for his excellent performances for North West, Prince who had to make the move from Cape-Town to further his career always wanted to be a professional cricketer. Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, his mum Fatima Prince shares a few insights on his development as a cricketer and his selection to the national team.
We are extremely proud of his achievements over the last few years. It's an emotional moment and definitely tears of joy. I can't find the right words to describe all the emotions right now. He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a professional cricketer and like parents do, we supported him in every way we possibly can to make his dream a reality. We really have to thank the JP21 Foundation (JP Duminy, Jamaine Cloete and all the sponsors) for their time, support and mostly their belief in him to make his dream a reality. Without them this would never have happened.
Meeka-eel’s cricketing story began as a young and talented junior at Ottoman Cricket Club, where his potential was evident from an early age. He went on to represent Western Province in nearly every age group, proving his consistency and excellence at every level. His high school cricket journey took him through Curro Durbanville, and finally SACS, where he continued to develop into one of South Africa’s most promising young cricketers. After a short senior stint at United Cricket Club, Meeka-eel returned to his roots at Ottoman CC, before earning a well-deserved contract at North West Cricket.
Proteas Squad Tri-nation Series - ODI against New Zealand
- Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions)
- Eathan Bosch (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors)
- Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Junior Dala (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions)
- Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors)
- Gideon Peters (North West University Dragons)
- Meeka-eel Prince (North West University Dragons)
- Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen will miss the first match as they travel to Karachi on 09 February, ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan on 12 February at the National Stadium.
The squad for the remainder of the tri-nation series will be announced on 09 February after the Betway SA20 Final while ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad members Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen will depart for Pakistan on 14 February.
Tri-nation Series Fixtures
✅ 08 February - Pakistan vs New Zealand - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
✅ 10 February -New Zealand vs South Africa - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
✅12 February - Pakistan vs South Africa - The National Stadium, Karachi
✅14 February - Final: The National Stadium, Karachi
