By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Proteas has named an initial 12-player squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation ODI series against hosts Pakistan and New Zealand.
The Proteas will be using the tri-series, which takes place from 8-14 February, as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and Dubai.
Captain Temba Bavuma will lead a new-look Proteas side which consists of six uncapped ODI players in Warriors batter Matthew Breetzke, North West University Dragons batter Meeka-eel Prince, and his domestic team-mate, fast bowler Gideon Peters, along with Dolphins fast bowler Eathan Bosch and Warriors spinner Senuran Muthusamy.
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is also in the squad for the Tri-Series, which serves as a Champions Trophy warm-up, having recovered from a left hamstring strain.
Players will be added to the squad following the SA20 eliminator playoff between the Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings on Wednesday, with the squad for the remainder of the Tri-Series announced on 9 February after the SA20 final.
Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen will miss the first match as they travel to Karachi on 9 February, ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan on 12 February at the National Stadium, while Champions Trophy squad members Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen will depart for Pakistan on 14 February.
Proteas initial squad: Temba Bavuma (c, Lions), Eathan Bosch (Dolphins), Matthew Breetzke (Warriors), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Junior Dala (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Mihlali Mpongwana (WP), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Gideon Peters (Dragons), Meeka-eel Prince (Dragons), Jason Smith (Dolphins), Kyle Verreynne (WP).
Tri-Series fixtures (SA times):
8 February (11:00): Pakistan vs New Zealand, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
10 February (06:30): New Zealand vs South Africa, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
12 February (11:00): Pakistan vs South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
14 February (11:00): Final, National Stadium, Karachi.