The Proteas eventually claimed the one-day international series 3-0 against Zimbabwe, but they didn’t have it all their own way.
They battled with the bat in particular, and would want to put on some big scores in the three-match T20 internationals against their northern neighbours.
Here are three Proteas to look out for, starting tonight at 6pm at East London’s Buffalo Park, Friday in Potchefstroom (6pm) and Sunday in Benoni (2.30pm).
Quinton de Kock
The Proteas wicket-keeper has been given an extended break, and sat out of the three ODIs against Zimbabwe.
The South Africans struggled to get going at the top of the order, and coach Ottis Gibson will hope that De Kock can bring his free-spirited attacking style of play to set up the innings.
David Miller
Similarly to De Kock, the left-handed Miller was told to take a breather for the Zimbabwe ODIs – which was a somewhat strange decision, as he only plays limited-overs cricket these days, and he was left out for the five Sri Lankan games in mid-year.
But while the Proteas management wanted to try out a few players, Miller would want to stamp his authority in white-ball cricket once more with some explosive knocks at the end of the innings.
Junior Dala
The Titans paceman bowls with somewhat surprising speed with an unusual action. World Cup places are up for grabs this season, and even though this will be T20 cricket, a top performance from Dala won’t hurt his chances.
Proteas T20 Squad
Faf du Plessis (captain), Gihahn Cloete, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Robbie Frylinck, Imran Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.
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