Afghanistan vs South Africa ODI Series: Players To Watch

South Africa are set to face Afghanistan in a bilateral ODI series for the first time ever, starting in Sharjah on Wednesday. We look at the 4 Proteas’ players to watch for this historic three-match series.

Tony de Zorzi

Tony de Zorzi, a standout in domestic cricket, will look to carry his strong form into this series. Known for his ability to anchor the innings and rotate the strike and attack, when necessary, de Zorzi plays a pivotal role at the top of the order. With his experience, he’ll be crucial in setting the tone for South Africa against Afghanistan’s varied bowling attack​.

Andile Simelane

The 21-year-old all-rounder has earned his first call-up to the Proteas ODI squad after a promising run with the SA Emerging side in Zimbabwe and a solid performance with South Africa A against Sri Lanka. Simelane’s versatility with both bat and ball provides depth in the middle order and an extra bowling option for the team​. His debut will be closely watched if given the opportunity, as he aims to make a lasting impression on the international stage.

Tristan Stubbs

Stubbs continues to grow his reputation as a power-hitter in the middle order. A known match-winner, Stubbs’ explosive ability to clear the ropes and take on spinners will be key against Afghanistan’s slower bowlers. Having already shown his mettle in T20s, this ODI series will give him another opportunity to shine​ and stake a claim in the Proteas’ ODI side.

Nqaba Peter

A leg-spinner from the DP World Lions, Nqaba Peter is another exciting potential debutant for South Africa in the ODI format. Known for his wicket-taking ability, Peter’s control and variations will be vital in UAE’s spin-friendly conditions. Having already been capped in T20Is, this series will be a valuable opportunity for him to showcase his skills in the longer format​.

Afghanistan Squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik.

South Africa Squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.