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CAPE TOWN, Sunday (Reuters) - Veteran South African opening batsman Gary Kirsten may yet play in next year's World Cup despite missing the first eight out of 10 one-day internationals in the build-up to the tournament.

Kirsten, 34, was recalled on Saturday to the national squad for the final two matches against Pakistan in Paarl on Monday and at his home ground of Newlands in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The gritty left hander is South Africa's leading run scorer in both forms of the game but lost his place in the one-day side this season to the talented but inexperienced Graeme Smith.

South Africa lead the series 2-1 but the top and middle order has struggled in all three games against the pace and hostility of the Pakistan seam attack.

Selection chief Omar Henry felt Kirsten brought a calmness to an innings. "His style may be in contrast to the other batsmen in the side but it also complements them," Henry said.

Middle order batsman Neil McKenzie has been discarded along with left arm spinner Nicky Boje although Henry said neither could count themselves out of contention for the World Cup.

"We know what they are capable of. We just want to give someone else a chance," Henry said.

Squad: Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Jonty Rhodes, Boeta Dippenaar, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock (captain), Lance Klusener, Andrew Hall, Robin Peterson, Allan Donald, Makhaya Ntini, Monde Zondeki. 

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