The in-form Laura Wolvaardt, currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings, will lead South Africa for the second tournament in a row.
South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP 2026
Speaking on Ismail’s return, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi stated that her return was meant to boost the South Africa setup.
“Looking at the ODI World Cup last year (of which South Africa were the runner-ups), we felt we needed that X-factor. And she definitely carries that. She’s a fighter. Good on the field.
“And not talking about skills only, the thing she brings out of that skill. This addition will make sure that we’ll fight all the way.”
Another player returning is important all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who makes her return after an injury lay-off, that saw her miss the series against New Zealand and India. Discussing her comeback into the side, the caoch said,
“If you don’t eat food for a long time, you get hungry. That’s where she is, hungry for more cricket. Medically it’s all a green light, and she’s fit and raring to go.”
Having finished runners-up in the last two editions, Wolvaardt and the Proteas will be hoping to go one step further this time around.
Wolvaardt will be integral to the Proteas batting alongside Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits and former skipper Dane van Nierkerk.
