The uncapped Lutho Sipamla was ‘surprised, shocked, happy, nervous and emotional, all at the same time’ after being named in South Africa’s squad for next month’s T20I series against Pakistan.

Fast bowler Sipamla impressed during the Mzansi Super League late last year, which effectively paved the way for inclusion at international level.

The 20-year-old was the inaugural tournament’s joint second-highest wicket-taker, alongside Tshwane Spartans teammate and Sri Lankan spinner Jeevan Mendis – and after first-placed Jozi Stars pace ace Duanne Olivier.

‘It was not something I was expecting, and although I know I have put in a lot of hard work it still came as something completely out of the blue,’ he told Madibaz Sport.

‘Of course it is very exciting for me because it has been a dream to play for South Africa since I was a young boy. Hopefully I will get a chance to play and I just want to go out there and make the most of my opportunity.

‘I’m definitely excited about my cricket at this stage and am looking forward to the challenge. When you play franchise cricket you have to be good and on point, and I had to work a lot on my execution and my consistency.

‘Concentrating on that helped me to improve my overall game and become a better player, I guess. I am looking forward to this opportunity [with the Proteas] and to maybe try to take my cricket to another level and perhaps compete at that level in all the formats.’

The first T20I will be played at the Newlands in Cape Town on Friday. Matches two and three will follow at the Wanderers in Johannesburg and SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Photo: Gallo