T20 International captain Aiden Markram will lead a dynamic group that blends proven experience with exciting new talent, as South Africa set their sights on going one step further after finishing runners-up at the 2024 edition.

The squad features a host of maiden T20 World Cup call-ups, with Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka and Jason Smith all earning their first nod for the global showpiece.

Kagiso Rabada. Photo: Cricinfo

Smith, who made his T20I debut in 2024, has impressed with his fearless approach and a strike rate of 128.30. His credentials were underlined in the T20 Challenge in November, when he blasted an unbeaten 68 off just 19 balls to power the Dolphins into the playoffs. 

The hard-hitting all-rounder is currently showcasing his skills for MI Cape Town in the SA20.

The bowling attack receives a major boost with the return of spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who missed the recent white-ball tour of India due to a rib injury. He is joined by Anrich Nortjé, South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the Proteas came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy.

Experience remains a key pillar of the squad, with Quinton de Kock and David Miller providing firepower and calm under pressure, while Keshav Maharaj’s guile with the ball, Lungi Ngidi’s pace and Marco Jansen’s all-round ability add further balance.

Donovan Ferreira. Photo: Cricinfo

Convenor Selector Patrick Moroney said the selection process had been challenging but rewarding.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate the players who will be representing South Africa at their maiden T20 World Cup. This is an incredible opportunity for them in what was a very difficult squad to select,” said Moroney.

“We have had to make some big calls, but we believe this group gives us the best chance of success in India and Sri Lanka. It is a world-class squad, combining some of the most experienced players in the game with exciting young T20 talent coming through.”

Jason Smith. Photo: Cricinfo

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad believes recent exposure to subcontinent conditions will be invaluable.

“We are returning to the subcontinent, where we recently competed against India, and the experience gained in those conditions will undoubtedly help us. 

“Many of the players in this World Cup squad were part of that tour and experienced the pitches first-hand. That will stand them in good stead once we arrive in India.”

Conrad also confirmed South Africa still have one more T20I series before the tournament.

George Linde. Photo: Cricinfo

“We have a T20I series against the West Indies before we depart for the World Cup, and that squad will be announced later this month.” 

South Africa have been drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. The Proteas will open their campaign on 9 February against Canada in Ahmedabad.

South Africa Men’s Squad – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
 Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg