T20I opening batsman Janneman Malan, wicketkeeper-batsman Sinethemba Qeshile and fast bowler Lutho Sipamla have been named in South Africa’s Emerging squad for June and July’s series against Sri Lanka in Pretoria and Potchefstroom.

The Emerging squad will host Sri Lanka for an extended limited-overs series, which will also feature the University Sports South Africa Xi before contesting two four-day fixtures.

The squad largely comprises players from the National Academy – a three-year programme that facilitates the transition from provincial to international cricket.

‘This programme is a hugely important part of the CSA development pipeline,’ said CSA high performance manager Vincent Barnes.

‘We’ve approached the programme and the subsequent fixtures holistically, keeping in mind our long-term goal of improving our selection pool, producing quality, professional cricketers and possible future Proteas.

‘The National Academy provides a pathway for the development of the players, with the likes of Tony de Zorzi, Sinethemba Qeshile and Raynard van Tonder having all represented the SA U19s recently, and have since been a part of the National Academy, going on to breaking through to franchise cricket.

‘We are very excited to be hosting Sri Lanka’s emerging side, having played them in the subcontinent last year, and we are sure there will be just as much competitive cricket on display, particularly with the USSA side also involved.’

Squad: Tony de Zorzi (Titans), Janneman Malan (Cape Cobras), Raynard van Tonder (Knights), Matthew Breetzke (Warriors), Wandile Makwetu (Titans), Sinethemba Qeshile (Warriors), Sibonelo Makhanya (Dolphins), Eathan Bosch (Dolphins), Tshepang Dithole (Lions), Tladi Bokako (Cape Cobras), Nandre Burger (Cape Cobras), Kyle Simmonds (Cape Cobras), Lutho Sipamla (Warriors), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Jason Smith (Cape Cobras), Dayyaan Galiem (Titans).

Photo: Gallo Images