SA v PAK 2018-19: Lutho Sipamla picked in South Africa's squad for the T20I series

The youngter was second highest wicket-taker in the Mzansi Super League(MSL).

Lutho did really well for Tshwane Spartans | Twitter

Proteas have named fast bowler Lutho Sipamla in their 14-man squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan. The 20-year-old right-arm pacer has been rewarded for his magnificent performances in the inaugural edition of the Mzansi Super League(MSL). 

He scalped 16 wickets at 20.56 from 10 games for the Tshwane Spartans, only four behind Duanne Olivier with 20. 

"Lutho made a very good impression in the Mzansi Super League which is making a big contribution to our talent pipeline in helping to bridge the gap between franchise and international cricket," National Selection Panel convener Linda Zondi was quoted saying on Friday, January 25. 

Gihahn Cloete, the wicketkeeper batsman with a sole T20I versus Zimbabwe at East London in October 2018 behind him, has also been drafted in. Zondi confirmed that Cloete will do the glovework at some stage even though Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen have been picked alongside him. 

"Rassie van der Dussen, Beuran and Reeza Hendricks, Lutho Sipamla, Gihahn Cloete and Anrich Nortje were all standout players in the MSL and it is already reaping rich dividends for the future of South African cricket," Zondi intimated. 

"With the exception of Anrich who is still injured these players are all part of the T20 squad. We will be giving Gihahn the opportunity to keep wicket as part of our strategy to build up the depth in the wicketkeeping position to back up Quinton de Kock with both Gihahn and Heinrich Klaasen capable of holding down positions as specialist batsmen."

Premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been rested for the series that kickstarts on February 1 in Cape Town, before the visitors end their tour with the last two T20Is in Jo'burg and Centurion on February 3 and 6 respectively. 

T20 Squad:- Faf du Plessis (c), Gihahn Cloete, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller , Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Rassie van der Dussen. 

(Inputs from Cricbuzz)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 26 Jan, 2019

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