South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has rewarded top-order batter Tony de Zorzi with a maiden T20I cap after the Proteas lost the toss and were asked to bat first in the first T20I against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
De Zorzi was the only batter to score a century in the recently concluded two-match Test series in Lahore and Rawalpindi, playing a key role in South Africa levelling the series after a heavy defeat in the first Test.
Having established himself as one of the Proteas’ best players of spin, De Zorzi is set to bat at number three on his T20I debut.
Quinton de Kock will be reunited with a familiar face, Reeza Hendricks, at the top of the order, while Matthew Breetzke returns to the T20 side for the first time this year. Breetzke earned his selection following two centuries in the domestic Four-Day Series and his fine form in the ODI format this year.
Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi returns from injury to lead the attack alongside Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Corbin Bosch and spinner George Linde.
Proteas captain Donovan Ferreira admitted that the team had hoped to bowl first at this high-scoring ground, but said De Kock’s presence gives the side confidence.
“We were looking to bowl first, but it’s our job now to put up a score. It’s an exciting role being the captain of the Proteas,” Ferreira said at the toss.
“(De Kock’s presence) gives us a lot of confidence. Hopefully, he’ll give us a good start.”
Proteas playing XI: Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
