South Africa's Dynamic Squad Set for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
South Africa's Ambitious T20 World Cup Campaign
Cape Town [South Africa], January 2: South Africa is gearing up to make a significant impact at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka. The team has assembled a 15-member squad that strikes a perfect balance between seasoned players and fresh talent.
Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, the squad includes experienced players such as Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada, alongside promising newcomers like Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka, according to the ICC.
In Group D, South Africa will compete against Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the UAE, kicking off their tournament against Canada in Ahmedabad on February 9.
The Proteas will play three of their group matches in Ahmedabad, known for its high-scoring potential, making them a formidable opponent in this global competition.
Leading the pace attack, Anrich Nortje returns to join Kagiso Rabada, with support from Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Kwena Maphaka. Keshav Maharaj heads the spin department, backed by all-rounder George Linde.
Nortje's return enhances an already strong pace lineup, which includes Rabada, Jansen, and Ngidi. Despite having played only two T20Is since the last World Cup—both against India where he did not take any wickets—Nortje has excelled in domestic T20 matches, taking six wickets in three games with an impressive economy rate of 6.9, including a standout four-wicket haul.
In the previous T20 World Cup, Nortje was South Africa's top wicket-taker, claiming 15 wickets across nine matches with an economy of 5.74.
His experience will be crucial for South Africa, which is aiming for its first T20 World Cup title after a disappointing exit in the last tournament. Initially, the team seemed to favor all-round spinners for the conditions in India and Sri Lanka, but they have now opted for a pace-heavy lineup.
This shift meant Keshav Maharaj had to forgo T20I matches. However, his strong performances in the 50-over format, where he reached the top of the rankings, secured him a place in the T20I squad for the tour of India.
Even with just one T20I appearance during that tour, the management believes Maharaj's experience will be invaluable in India. He will be supported by George Linde, while Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira are also capable of contributing with spin.
South Africa has rewarded in-form players like Brevis, who shone during the Australia tour, and Ferreira, who showcased his finishing abilities in the recent India tour, while still relying on the seasoned trio of Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Aiden Markram.
Their experience will be vital in mentoring the younger players as they face upcoming challenges. The depth of all-round talent in the Proteas makes them a versatile team that can adapt to varying conditions.
Players like Bosch, Linde, and Jansen can deliver powerful performances down the order, while Markram and Ferreira can step in as spinners for crucial breakthroughs.