Van der Dussen Named South Africa T20 Captain

South Africa has announced a fresh-faced t20I squad for the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe, with Rassie Vander Dussen named captain in the absence of regular skipper Aiden Makram.

The series, also featuring New Zealand, begins on July 14 in Harare.

Anrich Nortje remains unavailable due to a stress-related back injury, continuing his long struggle with fitness. Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Marco Jansen and other senior players have also been rested to manage workload.

Coach Shukri Conard explained the decision by saying, “The last few months have been packed. We felt this was the best time for them to rest and freshen up. It also gives us a chance to test new players ahead of the T20 World Cup.”

The squad features 4 uncapped players, including SA20 star Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, all-rounder Corbin Bosch, and spinner Senuran Muthusamy.

Pretorius, who impressed in the SA20 and domestic cricket, is also part of the Test squad to face Zimbabwe.

“He is a special breed,” Conrad said about Pretorius. “From the U19 World Cup to SA20 and now first-class cricket, he has performed at every level. We are excited to see his journey unfold.”

Returning to the side are Gerald Coetzee and Nandra Burger, both back from long injury layoffs. Coetzee had hamstring and groin issues, while Burger missed action with a back-stress farcture. Bothe are currently featuring in Major League Cricket in the US.

Dewald Brevis also returns, having last played T20I in 2023. With strong SA20 and IPL performances under his belt, he is expected to plaay a crucial role.

“Dewald has matured,” said Conrad. “We want him to bring that growth and show his natural game.”

The pace attackers include Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, and Andile Simelane, with spin options in George Linde, Nqaba Peter, and Muthusamy. Linde and Peter were standout performers in the SA20 and recent national tours.

This will also mark the 1st white-ball series for coach Conard, who has handled the Test team since 2023.

Though his intention was to pick near full-strength squads, early injury setbacks and player workload concerns have shifted his focus toward building depth.

The series is an important testing ground for South Africa’s next generation of players.

With the T20 World Cup scheduled for early 2026, the selectors aim to identify and nurture talent that can adapt to different conditions and perform under pressure.

New Zealand, coached by South Africa’s former white-ball coach Rob Walter, brought familiarity and added intensity to the contest.

All matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, with the final set for July 26.

South Africa squad: Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane