South Africa to miss Temba Bavuma in the historic series opener

Temba Bavuma will miss the first ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday due to illness. The South African captain will not be available for the match in Sharjah due to his health issues.

Proteas skipper has been ruled out of the game, and in his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the team. 

This ODI series marks the first-ever meeting between Afghanistan and South Africa outside of ICC tournaments.

The last time these two teams faced each other was in the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. South Africa will play this ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE, followed by a series of ODIs and T20Is against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.

South Africa's schedule in the UAE:

18 September - Afghanistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

20 September - Afghanistan vs South Africa, 2nd ODI, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

22 September - Afghanistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

27 September 2024 - Ireland vs South Africa, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi, UAE

29 September 2024 - Ireland vs South Africa, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi, UAE

2 October 2024 - Ireland vs South Africa, 1st ODI, Abu Dhabi, UAE

4 October 2024 - Ireland vs South Africa, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi, UAE

7 October 2024 - Ireland vs South Africa, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi, UAE.