South Africa Names Uncapped Duo for T20 World Cup Squad
South Africa has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, featuring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team will be led by star batter Laura Wolvaardt and includes seasoned campaigners like allrounder Marizanne Kapp, opener Tazmin Brits, and seamer Ayabonga Khaka.
Two uncapped players, 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu and 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi, have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team. Both players impressed during South Africa’s run to the final of the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Cup last year.
The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, with the exception of wicketkeeper batter Mieke de Ridder, who replaces the retired Shabnim Ismail. Lara Goodall, Masabata Klaas, and Delmi Tucker have been omitted from the squad.
Nadine de Klerk, who is currently recovering from an Achilles’ injury, is expected to be fit for the tournament. The team will play three warm-up matches in Pakistan before heading to the UAE.
South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup:
* Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
* 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
Traveling Reserve:
* Miané Smit