South Africa names new T20I captain: David Miller out of limited-overs series against Pakistan

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In a major setback ahead of their limited-overs tour of Pakistan, South African star batter David Miller has been ruled out of the entire series due to a hamstring injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that the left-hander sustained a grade-one hamstring strain during training, forcing him to miss both the T20I and ODI legs of the ongoing tour.

Miller’s absence isn’t the only blow to South Africa’s plans. The Proteas will also be without fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, who has been ruled out of both formats after sustaining a pectoral muscle injury during a recent T20I fixture against Namibia.

These double injuries have compounded South Africa’s selection challenges, especially with several senior players rested ahead of a packed international schedule. The absence of two key performers – Miller’s experience in the middle order and Coetzee’s pace – will test the team’s bench strength as they prepare for a competitive Pakistan side on home soil.

Cricket South Africa has entrusted Donovan Ferreira with the T20I captaincy, a decision seen as an investment in the team’s next generation of leaders. Ferreira, known for his aggressive middle-order batting and adaptability, will look to inspire a young squad against Pakistan’s experienced T20I unit.

To support the reshaped lineup, Matthew Breetzke and uncapped batter Tony de Zorzi have been added to the T20I squad. Their inclusion highlights CSA’s focus on nurturing fresh talent while maintaining balance within the squad.

In the ODI setup, Matthew Breetzke will take over as captain, with Ottneil Baartman replacing Coetzee to strengthen the bowling attack.

The limited-overs series begins on October 28 with the first T20I at Rawalpindi. The final two T20 matches will take place in Lahore on October 31 and November 1. Following the T20Is, both teams will head to Faisalabad for the three-match ODI series, scheduled for November 4, 6 and 8.

Also READ: Pakistan announce white-ball squads for South Africa series, Babar Azam returns in T20Is

Donovan Ferreira (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams

Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lizaad Williams.

Also READ: Fans react as WTC defending champions South Africa bounce back to level series 1-1 with dominating win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi Test