South Africa and Afghanistan are all set to clash in an exciting three-match ODI series, beginning September 18 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The series will serve as a significant test for both sides as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

A crucial series ahead of major tournaments

Both South Africa and Afghanistan view this series as an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and build crucial momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions. With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, the teams will be eager to work out the kinks in their lineup and develop winning combinations during the series.

For South Africa, the series offers a chance to establish consistency in their playing XI, solidify their batting order, and test their bowling depth in UAE conditions. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on the familiarity of Sharjah’s slow, spin-friendly pitches, and enhance their competitiveness against a formidable opponent.

Importance of the conditions

Sharjah’s surfaces are known to favor spinners and have lower bounce, conditions which Afghanistan’s bowling attack—led by world-class spinners—will be keen to exploit. South Africa, who are known for their pace and power, will need to adapt quickly and focus on building solid partnerships in the middle overs, where the pitch could slow down.

South Africa’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against Afghanistan:

Temba Bavuma (c)

Role: Right-hand batter, Captain
Strengths: Bavuma is renowned for his ability to stay composed under pressure. His technique is solid, particularly against pace, and he’s capable of occupying the crease for long periods, helping to anchor the innings. His leadership skills are also a major strength, as he brings calmness and tactical astuteness.
Expectation: As captain, Bavuma is expected to lead from the front, both with his bat and his tactical decisions. He should play the role of the anchor, especially when wickets fall early. His leadership will be critical, in handling pressure moments, rotating bowlers, and managing field settings.
Impact in the side: Bavuma’s composure and leadership will have a stabilizing effect on the team. His ability to bat through innings can provide a foundation for the middle order to capitalize on. His calm demeanor is essential during tense matches, making him a key figure in maintaining the team’s focus throughout the game.

Reeza Hendricks

Role: Right-hand opening batter
Strengths: Hendricks is a fluent stroke player known for his timing and ability to find gaps. He has a knack for building innings and can adapt his game according to the situation, whether accelerating in the powerplay or consolidating when required.
Expectation: Hendricks is expected to give the team quick starts in the powerplay by playing aggressive, yet calculated, cricket. His role is to set the tone for the innings and build partnerships at the top of the order.
Impact in the side: As an opener, Hendricks’ ability to dominate early in the innings can put the opposition on the back foot immediately. His success in the powerplay will allow the team to play with more freedom in the middle overs. His adaptability to different situations makes him an invaluable asset at the top.

Aiden Markram

Role: Right-hand batter, occasional off-spin bowler
Strengths: Markram’s biggest asset is his adaptability. He is capable of shifting gears effortlessly, whether it’s stabilizing an innings after early losses or accelerating when quick runs are needed. Markram’s elegant stroke play and ability to score all around the ground make him difficult to contain.
Expectation: Markram will be looked upon to hold the innings together and provide impetus in the middle overs. His role is to ensure smooth transitions between phases of the game, from consolidating after early wickets to setting up the finishing stages.
Impact in the side: Markram’s presence provides balance to the team. His ability to bat for long periods and score fluently in all conditions ensures that the batting lineup remains versatile. His handy off-spin gives the captain another bowling option, especially on turning tracks.

Tony de Zorzi

Role: Left-hand batter
Strengths: De Zorzi is a solid middle-order batter with an excellent temperament for building innings. He is patient, has a sound technique, and is capable of anchoring the innings when needed.
Expectation: De Zorzi is expected to steady the ship in the middle overs and build partnerships, especially after early wickets. His role will be to bat through the middle phase of the innings and provide a platform for the lower order to accelerate.
Impact in the side: De Zorzi’s stability in the middle order will be crucial, particularly in setting up or chasing totals. His ability to build innings while maintaining a steady run rate will ensure that the team doesn’t lose momentum during key phases.

Also READ: Afghanistan announces squad for the ODI series against South Africa in UAE; Rashid Khan returns

Tristan Stubbs

Role: Right-hand middle-order batter, occasional off-spin
Strengths: Stubbs is a powerful hitter, particularly strong in the death overs where he can clear the ropes with ease. His aggressive approach and ability to score at a high strike rate make him a key finisher. His quick reflexes make him an excellent fielder in the outfield.
Expectation: Stubbs is expected to finish innings strongly by adding quick runs in the final overs. His role is to provide the firepower needed to capitalize on the platform set by the top and middle order.
Impact in the side: Stubbs’ explosive batting in the lower order can be the difference in tight games. His ability to hit boundaries at will makes him a dangerous player, especially in T20 cricket.

Kyle Verreynne (wk)

Role: Wicketkeeper, right-hand batter
Strengths: Verreynne is a dependable lower-middle-order batter who thrives in situations that require composure. He’s quick between the wickets and capable of rotating the strike efficiently. Behind the stumps, Verreynne is sharp and has excellent reflexes, which makes him a reliable wicketkeeper.
Expectation: Verreynne’s role is to keep the innings stable and provide support to the tail, ensuring the team gets through difficult patches. His wicketkeeping duties will also be crucial, especially when dealing with spinners and ensuring quick stumpings and catches.
Impact in the side: Verreynne’s calm approach under pressure is vital for the team’s lower-order batting. His ability to save runs behind the stumps and provide stability during tight chases or defending small totals makes him an essential part of the team.

Wiaan Mulder

Role: All-rounder
Strengths: Mulder brings genuine all-round abilities to the table. As a batter, he’s capable of playing impactful knocks lower down the order, with the ability to switch between defensive and aggressive modes.
Expectation: Mulder is expected to be the team’s key all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. His role with the bat is to add crucial runs lower down the order, and with the ball, he’s expected to control the run rate and take wickets at key intervals.
Impact in the side: Mulder’s ability to contribute in all three departments makes him an indispensable part of the side. His presence adds depth to both the batting and bowling units, allowing the team more flexibility in their tactics.

Andile Phehlukwayo

Role: All-rounder
Strengths: Phehlukwayo excels in pressure situations, particularly with the ball during the death overs. His variations, such as slower balls and yorkers, make him difficult to score off, especially in the closing stages of an innings.
Expectation: Phehlukwayo’s main role is to bowl in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs, and contain runs. With the bat, he’s expected to play the role of a finisher, adding crucial runs towards the end of the innings.
Impact in the side: Phehlukwayo’s ability to deliver under pressure makes him an important player in limited-overs cricket. His death bowling and lower-order hitting can be game-changing, and his experience in tight situations will be a big asset for the team.

Bjorn Fortuin

Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner
Strengths: Fortuin’s main strength is his accuracy and control, especially in limiting runs during the powerplay or middle overs. He’s capable of building pressure by bowling dot balls, forcing batters to take risks. His ability to break partnerships and control the game’s tempo makes him a potent weapon, particularly on spinning tracks.
Expectation: Fortuin is expected to control the middle overs by containing runs and picking up key wickets. His role will be to maintain pressure on the opposition and provide the captain with control in terms of field placements and bowling strategies.
Impact in the side: Fortuin’s impact comes through his economy and wicket-taking ability, both of which can shift momentum. His role in controlling the game through tight spells will allow the pacers to attack from the other end, providing balance to the bowling attack.

Lungi Ngidi

Role: Right-arm fast bowler
Strengths: Ngidi’s ability to generate pace and seam movement makes him a constant threat, particularly in the early overs. His control over line and length, combined with his ability to bowl effective slower balls, makes him lethal in both the powerplay and at the death.
Expectation: Ngidi will be expected to strike early in the powerplay and return to bowl crucial overs at the death. His role will be to provide early breakthroughs and contain runs in pressure situations.
Impact in the side: Ngidi’s ability to dismantle the top order and his control at the death make him one of the most important players in the bowling lineup. His consistency in taking wickets and his ability to execute under pressure will be key to the team’s success.

Lizaad Williams

Role: Right-arm fast-medium bowler
Strengths: Williams is known for his swing and seam movement, especially in helpful conditions. He’s an aggressive bowler who can generate movement off the pitch, troubling batters early in the innings.
Expectation: Williams is expected to bowl with the new ball and swing it early, creating opportunities for wickets in the powerplay. He will also be relied upon to bowl crucial middle-overs, keeping the batters quiet and looking for breakthroughs.
Impact in the side: Williams’ swing bowling adds an extra dimension to the attack, especially in conditions that suit seam movement. His ability to bowl with control and take wickets in the middle overs will be essential in ensuring the team remains in control of the game.

Also READ: Cricket South Africa announces squad for ODI series against Afghanistan

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