By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: Suresh Rajcoomar.
The South Africa women’s national cricket team have named a 15 player squad for their outbound Twenty20 International and One Day International tour of New Zealand, scheduled from 15 March to 4 April.
Captained by Laura Wolvaardt, the group features a maiden ODI call up for World Sports Betting Western Province all rounder Kayla Reyneke. Reyneke impressed during the recent T20I series against Pakistan and now earns an opportunity in the 50 over format as South Africa continue to broaden their options ahead of a demanding international calendar.
There is a return to the ODI fold for experienced seamers Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas, along with all rounder Dané van Niekerk. The trio missed the ongoing home series against Pakistan but are restored as the selectors look to reinforce the squad’s balance and depth in New Zealand conditions.
All rounder Marizanne Kapp will remain in South Africa to continue her rehabilitation after illness curtailed her involvement during the third T20I against Pakistan. She is expected to begin her return to play protocol in preparation for subsequent tours.
South Africa will face the New Zealand women’s national cricket team in five T20Is from 15 to 25 March. The fixtures form part of a festival of double headers alongside the Proteas Men and the New Zealand national cricket team, staged across Mount Maunganui, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The ensuing ODI series carries added significance, forming part of the ICC Women’s Championship qualification pathway for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said the squad’s recent trajectory had been encouraging. “We are building nicely as a group, and the focus remains on continuing to win matches of cricket while refining the areas that will be crucial for us heading into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June. Every series from here on plays an important role in our preparation and growth as a unit,” he said.
“Touring New Zealand always presents unique challenges. The conditions require adaptability, especially when playing across multiple venues where the surfaces and weather can differ.
“We must adjust quickly, apply ourselves and maintain the standards we have set as a team. “This tour gives us another valuable opportunity to test our combinations, deepen our squad and continue evolving our brand of cricket against quality opposition.”
Convenor of Selectors Clinton du Preez described the group as balanced and forward looking. “This is an exciting and well balanced squad that combines experience with emerging talent. The return of Masabata and Ayabonga adds valuable firepower and experience to our bowling attack, particularly in the ODI format.
“Kayla’s maiden ODI call up is thoroughly deserved following her performances in the recent T20Is. She has shown composure and skill at international level, and we believe she is a player for the future who can grow into an important role within the squad.”
Proteas Women squad
Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dané van Niekerk.
Fixtures – Proteas Women’s Outbound Tour to New Zealand 2025/26
T20I Series
Sunday, 15 March at 03:45 – 1st T20I: New Zealand vs South Africa (Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui)
Tuesday, 17 March at 03:45 – 2nd T20I: New Zealand vs South Africa (Seddon Park, Hamilton)
Friday, 20 March at 03: 45 – 3rd T20I: New Zealand vs South Africa (Eden Park, Auckland)
Sunday, 22 March at 03:45 – 4th T20I: New Zealand vs South Africa (Sky Stadium, Wellington)
Wednesday, 25 March at 03:45 – 5th T20I: New Zealand vs South Africa (Hagley Oval, Christchurch)
ICC Women’s Championship ODI Series
Sunday, 29 March at 03:00 – 1st IWC ODI: New Zealand vs South Africa (Hagley Oval, Christchurch)
Wednesday, 01 March at 00:00 – 2nd IWC ODI: New Zealand vs South Africa (Basin Reserve, Wellington)
Saturday, 04 March at 00:00 – 3rd IWC ODI: New Zealand vs South Africa (Basin Reserve, Wellington).