SA vs PAK 2024-25: Anrich Nortje ruled out of white-ball series with toe injury

SA vs PAK 2024-25: Anrich Nortje ruled out of white-ball series with toe injury. (Photo Source: ICC)

Star pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match T20I series between South Africa and Pakistan after sustaining a left toe injury. He missed the first T20I against the Men in Green on Tuesday, December 10, after sustaining a contusion to his left big toe during training. Subsequent scans on Wednesday revealed a fracture.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Thursday that the 31-year-old will also miss the three-match ODI series against Mohammad Rizwan’s men, which gets underway next week after the third and final T20I in Johannesburg. Nortje will consult with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon to determine the recovery period.

Also Check: South Africa vs Pakistan Match Preview, 2nd T20I

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been named as his replacement for the remaining two T20Is at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 13 and the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 14. The uncapped player has played 60 T20 games and contributed with 723 runs and 46 wickets. Galiem averages 22.59 with the bat and 26.08 with the ball.

It is unfortunate for Nortje, who was set to don the South African jersey for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India. South Africa are leading the series 1-0 after winning the first match by 11 runs at Kingsmead, Durban.

South Africa announce 15-man squad for ODI series

South Africa named a strong 15-man squad for the impending ODI series against Pakistan on Thursday. Temba Bavuma will lead the side that comprises experienced players like Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada among others. The latter has made a comeback to the 50-over setup for the first time since the semi-final defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Meanwhile, Kwena Maphaka is the only uncapped player in the side. He will look to pick the brains of Rabada and work in unison with fellow pacer Ottneil Baartman and seam-bowling all-rounders Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo.

South Africa squad for ODIs versus Pakistan: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen