The all-rounder George Linde has been added to South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad as a cover for injured Aiden Markram ahead of the semi-final clash against New Zealand.
It is reported that Linde has been rushed to Pakistan to join the squad. Aiden Markram picked up a hamstring strain during the side’s victory over England in the final group match of the Champions Trophy 2025.
He will be undergoing a fitness test at training on Tuesday evening to determine his availability for the semis. South Africa has a prolonged list of injury players – Anrich Nortje, Nandre Burger, Lizaad William who had been ruled out ahead of the tournament.
Lindi will be joining the South African camp on Tuesday evening but will not officially replace Markram in the squad unless he is ruled out out and the ICC’s technical team confirms the swap.
It is likely South Africa added him to the group if they qualify for a Dubai final against India, where conditions are drier and they need an extra spinner.
Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi has been the only specialist spinners in the South Africa squad. Meanwhile India has been using four spinners in the final group stage and semi finals match against Australia.
George Linde who played a key role in MI Cape Town winning their maiden title during SA20 2025 scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 153.33 and picked up 11 wickets at an economy of 6.29.
Playing for Western Province in One-Day Challenge Division One, he scored 106 runs and took four wickets in five games.
Left arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is also with the squad as a travelling reserve while Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi have recovered from illness and will train this evening.
South Africa will play their semi finals match against New Zealand on March 05 at Gaddafi Stadium.
