Surprise Selection as South Africa Confirm Squads for Pakistan Tour

For fans, the comeback of Quinton de Kock was unexpected and exciting at the same time. Quinton de Kock had bid goodbye to one-day internationals last year, and has made a sensational U-turn. His name was back in the South Africa vs Pakistan series squads announced on Monday, instantly sparking chatter among fans.

The comeback overshadowed even the injury blow to skipper Temba Bavuma. He has been ruled out due to a calf strain. He might not be there with the team for the next eight weeks. Meanwhile, Aiden Markram will step in as captain for the Test side. That one moment flipped everything, reshaping the narrative around the tour before a single ball is bowled.

De Kock’s comeback comes just in time. He played for South Africa during the T20 World Cup final in June 2024. Now, his presence adds weight to both the ODI and T20I squads. David Miller will lead the T20 side while Matthew Breetzke takes charge of the ODIs, signaling a fresh approach in the shorter formats.

The Test squad, meanwhile, has its own surprises. Off-spinner Simon Harmer has been recalled, with Keshav Maharaj only joining from the second Test due to a groin issue. Head coach Shukri Conrad admitted spin will be the deciding factor. “The majority of this group know what it takes in the subcontinent. They will relish the challenge,” he remarked.

What makes this Pak vs SA tour fascinating is the contrast of experience and youth. Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch headline the next generation, while old hands like Kagiso Rabada steady the core. Suddenly, the points table looks very different in fans’ predictions, with the Proteas shaping up as a balanced outfit.

On social media, the buzz was instant. Clips of De Kock’s past heroics were reshared endlessly, with many calling his return “perfect timing.” Pakistan fans, meanwhile, debated how his presence changes the equation for their bowlers.

The tour will feature two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Before landing in Pakistan, South Africa will also play a one-off T20 in Namibia, marking the opening of a new stadium in Windhoek.

This series is more than just preparation. For South Africa, it’s about regaining rhythm before the 2026 T20 World Cup. For Pakistan, it’s the chance to measure themselves against a side mixing fresh blood with seasoned campaigners.

The stage is set. The squads are announced. And with de Kock back in the team, the series already feels like it has a story waiting to unfold.

Squads for South Africa Tour of Pakistan

Test squad: Aiden Markram (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne

ODI squad: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Sinethemba Qeshile, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 

T20I squad: David Miller (captain), Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane,  Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lizaad Williams