South Africa faced a significant setback in their campaign in India as Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi were both ruled out of the decisive third ODI in Visakhapatnam on Saturday due to injuries.
Burger, who impressed earlier in the series, pulled up with a hamstring issue during the second ODI in Raipur and could not complete his spell.
De Zorzi, meanwhile, strained his right hamstring late in South Africa’s chase, retiring hurt on 17 after the 45th over.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that scans revealed injuries serious enough to sideline both players from the series finale.
Adding to their concerns, CSA further announced that de Zorzi will miss the upcoming five-match T20I series against India as well.
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He will return home immediately, with no replacement named.
There was another setback for the visitors as young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka was withdrawn from the T20I squad after failing to progress as expected in the final stages of his rehabilitation from a left hamstring injury.
Lutho Sipamla has been drafted in as his replacement.
Despite the disruptions, South Africa will hope their reshuffled squad can regroup quickly as they head into a crucial phase of the tour.
South Africa’s updated T20I squad
Aiden Markram (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs.
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