Staff Reporter.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the 15-player squad representing the Proteas Women in the T20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka.
The T20I series will be held between 27 March – 03 April in Benoni, Potchefstroom and East London.
Among the three changes made from the touring party that faced Australia in a T20I series in January, DP World LIons’ 16-year-old wicketkeeper batter Karabo Meso earns her maiden national call-up alongside the returning duo of allrounder Annerie Dercksen and seamer Tumi Sekhukhune.
Proteas Women Squad (T20I Only) – Inbound Tour against Sri Lanka
Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans, Captain), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso* (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Uncapped*
Meso rose to prominence after an impressive performance at the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup held in South Africa last year, which saw her named as part of the Team of the Tournament. The promising teenager was then selected for Team SA at the first-ever Women’s T20 competition at the 13th African Games in Ghana, with South Africa taking silver after reaching the final.
The incoming trio replaces injured fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi, who is continuing her rehabilitation following a groin injury, with Mieke de Ridder and Delmi Tucker also not included for the shortest format of the tour.
The one-day international (ODI) squad will be announced during the T20I series ahead of the commencement of the ICC Women’s Championship (2022-2025) ODI series from 09 – 17 April.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.