South Africa will enter the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looking to end their long-standing ICC silverware drought, having last won a major white-ball trophy in 1998. It was in the same tournament, and the Proteas would be kicking to fend off their “chokers” tag. Temba Bavuma’s men will be eager to make an impact in Pakistan, but their recent form and injury concerns raise questions about their chances.
Strengths: Explosive Batting Lineup & Spin Depth
Despite their struggles in recent ODIs, South Africa boasts a powerful batting lineup. Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickelton, and Rassie van der Dussen have shown consistency at the top, while Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs provide firepower in the middle order. Klaasen, in particular, has been in red-hot form, finishing 2024 with a string of explosive innings, including scores of 81 (43), 97 (74), and 86 (97) against Pakistan. He was in awful form at the SA20 but he might love having those few extra overs in the ODIs.
In conditions that could favour spinners, South Africa has an experienced spin duo in Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. Both bowlers bring variety and the ability to control the game in the middle overs. Markram’s off-spin is another massive plus.
Weaknesses: Fragile Pace Attack & Poor Recent Form
South Africa’s fast-bowling unit is not as intimidating as in previous tournaments. The absence of Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, and Nandre Burger due to injuries has left them short on firepower. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are the most experienced pacers, but beyond them, options like Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch lack big-match experience. This could be a significant disadvantage, especially against high-caliber opponents like Australia and England.
The Proteas’ ODI form is hugely worrying, having lost their last five matches. Their struggles have been compounded by the absence of key players due to franchise T20 commitments. While their full-strength squad will be available for the Champions Trophy, they will need to shake off their recent slump quickly to compete at the highest level.
Probable Best XI for South Africa
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
- David Miller
- Tristan Stubbs
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
South Africa squad for ICC Champions Trophy
Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.
