South African batters Chloe Tryon and Laura Wolvaardt
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
- Cricket South Africa has named a 15-player Proteas squad for next month’s T20 Women’s World Cup.
- Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead the side with uncapped Seshnie Naidu getting a call-up.
- The Proteas women take on Pakistan in a three-match T20I series before the World Cup takes place in the UAE in October.
- For more Proteas news, visit News24 Sport’s dedicated section.
There were no surprises as Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a 15-player squad for next month’s T20 Women’s World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt, who will lead the team in a World Cup for the first time, will be supported by experienced players like Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus.
The squad includes uncapped Dolphins leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, who has earned her first national team call-up after impressive performances for the SA U19 Women and the SA Emerging sides over the past two years.
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The 18-year-old Naidu will be joined by fellow youngsters Ayanda Hlubi and Annerie Dercksen, with SA U19 Women all-rounder Miane Smit picked as a travelling reserve.
Proteas team for UAE:
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain – Titans), Anneke Bosch (Titans), Tazmin Brits (Lions), Nadine deKlerk (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (Lions), Marizanne Kapp (Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Suné Luus (Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu* (Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (Lions), Chloé Tryon (Lions)
The Proteas women made history at last year’s T20 event, becoming the first senior South African team to reach an ICC World Cup final, which they eventually lost to Australia at Newlands.
The SA women are drawn in Group B alongside hosts Bangladesh, West Indies, England and Scotland.
The World Cup, which will be staged from October 3-20 across two venues in the UAE – Dubai and Sharjah – was recently moved from Bangladesh due to ongoing unrest in the country.
“While playing in the UAE presents some unknowns, we have conducted thorough research and selected a balanced squad that complements the conditions, with strategic options in mind as we head into the T20 World Cup,” said CSA Proteas Women convenor of selectors, Clinton du Preez.
“Laura (Wolvaardt) has been exceptional as a leader, bringing a holistic approach to the team. She leads with respect and integrity, and we are excited to see her leadership and playing qualities shine at the World Cup.
“Seshnie Naidu has shown significant growth as a bowler within our camps, and we see her as an X-factor for the World Cup. She brings a unique element to our bowling attack, offering something different that could be pivotal.”
READ | Women’s T20 World Cup moved from Bangladesh to UAE
The Proteas’ World Cup squad will head to Multan for a three-match T20I series against Pakistan from 16-20 September before heading to the UAE.
Wolvaardt’s charges come off a disappointing tour to India, where they lost the ODI series 3-0, lost the sole Test and shared the T20I series 1-1.
Interim head coach Dillon du Preez’s team will have a final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations with two warm-up matches, facing New Zealand on 29 September and India on 01 October at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.
South Africa begin their campaign against the Windies on Friday, 4 October in Dubai, followed by a rematch of last year’s semi-final against England three days later.
The Proteas will complete their round-robin stage with matches against Scotland on 9 October and Bangladesh on 12 October.
The semi-finals are scheduled for 17 and 18 October, with the final set to take place on Sunday, 20 October, at the Dubai International Stadium.
Proteas tour to Pakistan
Monday, 16 September – 16:00 SAST: 1st T20I – Pakistan vs South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)
Wednesday, 18 September – 16:00 SAST: 2nd T20I – Pakistan vs South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)
Friday, 20 September – 07:00 SAST: 3rd T20I – Pakistan vs South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)
South Africa’s Fixtures – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (03 – 20 October)
Sunday, 29 September – 16:00 SAST: 1st Warm-up T20I: South Africa vs New Zealand (ICC Academy, Dubai)
Tuesday, 01 October – 16:00 SAST: 2nd Warm-up T20I: South Africa vs India (ICC Academy, Dubai)
Friday, 04 October – 12:00 SAST: 1st Match: South Africa vs West Indies (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
Monday, 07 October – 16:00 SAST: 2nd Match: England vs South Africa (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)
Wednesday, 09 October – 12:00 SAST: 3rd Match: South Africa vs Scotland (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
Saturday, 12 October – 16:00 SAST: 4th Match: Bangladesh vs South Africa (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
Thursday, 17 October – 16:00 SAST: Semi-final 1 (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
Friday, 18 October – 16:00 SAST: Semi-final 2 (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)
Sunday, 20 October – 16:00 SAST: Final (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
