South Africa women announce squad for T20 World Cup

South Africa has included the 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu in their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. Naidu, who is yet to make her debut at the international level, is joined by the 20-year-old seamer, Ayanda Hlubi, who made her international debut last year.

Both players were part of the squad that competed in the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Cup held in South Africa last year. Naidu, known for her sharp leg breaks, has been called one of the brightest prospects in the country, while Hlubi, who brings raw pace, had a great performance in domestic cricket before which earned her the senior cap.

The experienced campaigner Laura Wolvaardt will be leading the team in the marquee event. The core of the team remains unchanged from the one that reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, with only a few notable absentees. Lara Goodall, Masabata Klaas, and Delmi Tucker have been left out, while the legendary fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has retired from international cricket.

Despite these changes, the squad has a wealth of experience, with stalwarts like Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, and Ayabonga Khaka expected to play crucial roles. Allrounder Nadine de Klerk, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, has been named in the squad, and her fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the tournament.

The team will also benefit from the presence of versatile players like Suné Luus and Chloé Tryon, who have been performing consistently. The Proteas will play three preparatory matches in Pakistan before heading to the UAE. The team’s last competitive outing was against India in July. South African women have been placed in Group B along with West Indies, England, Scotland, and Bangladesh.

South Africa squad for T20 World Cup:

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon

Travelling Reserve: Miané Smit