South Africa hand trio first ODI call-ups to build limited overs depth

NEW DELHI: For their upcoming series against Afghanistan and Ireland in the United Arab Emirates beginning next week, South Africa has called up Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, and Jason Smith for the first time.Cricket South Africa said on Monday that all-round player Simelane has also been called up for the first time to the Twenty20 team for two matches against the Irish.In addition to two Twenty20 matches against Ireland in Abu Dhabi and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against the Irish at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, South Africa will play Afghanistan in three ODIs in Sharjah beginning on September 18.All-rounder Smith and spin bowler Peter have both earned T20 squad caps in the past."We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months," said South Africa's limited overs teams coach Rob Walter, as per Reuters."This has been a deliberate move, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027."After recovering from a right calf injury, seamer Lungi Ngidi was included in all three teams.South Africa, who finished second in the T20 World Cup in June, recently suffered a 3-0 series loss in the West Indies.Their last ODIs were in December last year when India won a three-match series 2-1 in South Africa.ODI squad against Afghanistan:Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams. T20 squad against Ireland:Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams.ODI squad against Ireland:Temba Bavuma, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.