South Africa have picked Jason Smith and Tony de Zorzi over Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton in their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7. The team will be led by Aiden Markram.
Kagiso Rabada has been recalled after missing the T20Is against India. The veteran pacer proved his fitness by playing in the last couple of SA20 matches. Rabada, along with Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, will spearhead the fast-bowling attack, which also features the inexperienced Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch.
Smith has earned a surprise call-up following a blistering 41 off just 14 balls for MI Cape Town against Durban Super Giants in the opening match of the SA20. The seam-bowling all-rounder has edged out Stubbs, who has been dropped after being given an extended run by the team management. Rickelton, the highest run-scorer in the SA20, and Reeza Hendricks have also been left out, with the selectors preferring De Zorzi.
“We have had to make some big calls, but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka. We have assembled a world-class squad with some of the finest and most experienced players in the game, together with some of the best T20 youngsters coming through,” said Proteas Men’s Convenor of Selectors Patrick Moroney.
“We are returning to the subcontinent, where we recently competed against hosts India. The experience we gained playing in those conditions will undoubtedly benefit us as we head into this tournament,” head coach Shukri Conrad said. “Many of the players selected for the World Cup squad were on that tour and experienced first-hand the pitches we are likely to encounter, which will stand them in good stead once we get to India.”
The Proteas will begin their campaign against Canada on February 9. South Africa will also face Afghanistan, New Zealand and the UAE in the group stage.
South Africa squad:for T20 World Cup 2026:
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Tony de Zorzi, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith
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