Nqobani Mokoena

Nqobani Mokoena is a young right-arm fast-medium bowler who has earned his place in South Africa’s ODI squad for the series against Australia. The 20-year-old made his ODI debut during South Africa’s recent tour of Namibia, featuring in two matches and taking one wicket. His call-up for the Australia series came after Lungi Ngidi was ruled out with a right hamstring injury, giving Mokoena another opportunity to gain experience at the highest level. He has also represented South Africa at Under-19 level and has featured for the Dolphins in domestic cricket.

Mokoena has the pace to challenge batters and is still developing his game as he moves into regular senior international cricket. During the Namibia ODI series, he bowled economically in his first appearance, returning 1/31 from seven overs, before finishing with 0/15 from five overs in the second match. His recent domestic experience, including a spell of 19 overs for the Dolphins in first-class cricket, should help him handle the demands of a longer ODI spell. For fantasy cricket, Mokoena represents an interesting differential bowling option, particularly if he is handed a new-ball role or gets an extended spell against Australia. His limited international sample means his fantasy returns are less established, but his pace and wicket-taking potential make him one to watch in the series.