Lungi Ngidi is set to miss the Proteas’ crucial clash against Afghanistan on Saturday due to injury, while Beuran Hendricks may make his first appearance at the tournament.

Ngidi has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring strain early in the Proteas’ second match against Bangladesh at The Oval earlier this month, with South Africa having lost to India and seen their fixture against West Indies washed out in his absence.

On the eve of Saturday’s must-win clash against Afghanistan, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis confirmed that they were unlikely to risk Ngidi, who has still not returned to full fitness.

‘He is still doing some work, today and possibly even tomorrow,’ Du Plessis confirmed. It’s a tricky one with hamstring strains, particularly with fast bowlers, to know when they are ready.

‘If he is not 100% or even 90% ready for the game and there is a bit of rain around… is it worth the risk?’

Du Plessis added that Hendricks was looking in fine rhythm since recently joining the side following an injury to Dale Steyn.

‘Beuran is bowling nicely in the nets… he looks like he’s bowling very well.’

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