The SA Women’s National Selection Panel has confirmed the 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in England and Wales from 12 June to 05 July.
Aiming to continue inspiring the future generations of women’s cricket in the country, the Proteas squad, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, features the return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, as South Africa go in pursuit of their maiden world title.
The 37-year-old, who last represented the Proteas in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023, brings a wealth of experience, adding 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets to the group.
Ismail will be joined by Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk, who are back after recovering from illness and a calf injury, respectively. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also returns from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against India and will link up with Sinalo Jafta in the wicketkeeping department.
Kayla Reyneke is set for her first senior World Cup after enjoying a breakout international season. The former SA U19 Women’s captain ended the 2025/26 campaign with a batting average of 53 and five wickets in her first nine T20Is.
The remainder of the squad includes Tazmin Brits, Suné Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloé Tryon. Meanwhile, the bowling attack features seamers Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune, as well as spin queen Nonkululeko Mlaba.
World Cup warm-up fixtures
The Proteas will get their undeniable journey underway when they depart for England on May 25 for a camp in Arundel, where they will face Australia in three training matches from May 31 – June 4, before turning their attention to the official World Cup warm-up fixtures.
After reaching the last three ICC tournament finals, South Africa will begin their latest T20 World Cup campaign in Group 1 against Australia on 13 June in Manchester, before facing Pakistan, India, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh.
Win against India ‘a confidence boost’
Proteas Women head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, said: “We’re excited for the big show ahead, and I think the players have really put in the work over the last few months. The 4-1 series win against India gave us a lot of confidence, but there are still final touch-ups we need to make before the World Cup starts.
“Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had good conversations, and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special.
“We’re also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dané, and Karabo available again. Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances,” he added.
Proteas’ ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Shabnim Ismail (DP World Lions), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province).
- South Africa's 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (12 June - 5 July in England and Wales) was announced, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt.
- Veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail returns, bringing experience with 113 T20I caps and a national record 123 wickets; Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk also return post-injury.
- Young talent Kayla Reyneke, after a strong international season, is set for her first senior World Cup, alongside key players like Tazmin Brits, Suné Luus, and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
- The team will depart for England on May 25, with warm-up matches against Australia from May 31 to June 4 before official World Cup fixtures begin.
- Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi emphasized the confidence gained from a recent 4-1 series win against India and highlighted the team's focus on steady improvement and taking the tournament one game at a time.
Ismail will be joined by Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk, who are back after recovering from illness and a calf injury, respectively. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also returns from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against
Kayla Reyneke is set for her first senior World Cup after enjoying a breakout international season.
After reaching the last three ICC tournament finals,
Proteas Women head coach,
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“We’re also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dané, and Karabo available again. Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances,” he added.
Proteas’ ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports
