Proteas banking on youth and experience at T20 World Cup

The South African Men’s selection panel has announced the 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February-8 March.

T20 International (T20I) captain Aiden Markram will lead the side, which includes maiden T20 World Cup call ups for Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka and Jason Smith.

Smith, who made his T20I debut in 2024, boasts a strike-rate of 128.30. One of his most recent standout performances came in the T20 Challenge, where he struck an unbeaten 68 off 19 balls to steer the Hollywoodbets Dolphins into the play-offs in November. He is currently representing MI Cape Town in the Betway SA20.

Kagiso Rabada returns to the T20I setup after missing the recent white-ball tour against India due to a rib injury. Another notable inclusion is paceman Anrich Nortje, who finished as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where South Africa ended as runners up.

The squad also includes experienced batters Quinton de Kock and David Miller, along with spinner Keshav Maharaj, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and all-rounder Marco Jansen.

South Africa are drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates and will begin their campaign on 9 February against Canada in Ahmedabad.

Convenor Selector for the Proteas Men Patrick Moroney commented: “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 difficult squad to select.

“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.”

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad added: “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.

“Many of the players selected for the World Cup squad were on that trip and experienced first-hand the pitches that we will likely encounter and that will stand them in good stead once we get to India.”

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

Meanwhile, Titans Cricket CEO, Dr Jacques Faul said Markram’s leadership, alongside the experience of Ngidi and Jansen, continues to set the standard at international level. “Aiden Markram is a proven Protea leader who has consistently carried the responsibility of representing South Africa with distinction. His appointment as captain once again highlights his calm authority, cricketing intelligence and the respect he commands within the Proteas setup. Alongside him, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen have been pillars of the national team over a number of years, delivering consistently at the highest level and setting the benchmark for what it means to represent South Africa,” said Dr Faul.

Brevis, who made his T20 International debut in 2023 against Australia, is famous for his explosive and fearless batting, while Bosch brings valuable all-round capability, offering impact with both bat and ball. Ferreira’s inclusion further strengthens the squad, with his

versatility and power-hitting expected to add depth and balance to the Proteas line-up on the world stage.

Dr Faul said the selection was a clear reflection of the franchise’s enduring excellence and long-standing commitment to player development. “To see young Titans such as Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira and Corbin Bosch rise onto the world stage is incredibly special and truly speaks to who we are as a franchise. Their growth, hunger and readiness for international cricket reflect the strength of our pathways and our long-standing commitment to developing Proteas players. Moments like these reaffirm the Titans’ reputation as a leading brand in South African cricket and a consistent producer of world-class talent,” he added.

South Africa Men’s Squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (DP World Lions), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Donovan Ferreira (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), George Linde (World Sports Betting Western Province), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions) and Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).

Management

Shukri Conrad (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Ashwell Prince (Batting Coach), Piet Botha (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Albie Morkel (Specialist Consultant), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Salih Solomon (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Brian Khonto (Security Officer).

Group D Fixtures

Monday, 9 February at 3.30pm SAST

South Africa vs Canada - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Wednesday, 11 February at 7.30am SAST

South Africa vs Afghanistan - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Friday, 14 February at 3.30pm SAST

New Zealand vs South Africa - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Tuesday, 18 February at 7.30am SAST

South Africa vs United Arab Emirates - Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi