By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: CSA.
The Proteas Women will enter new territory when a youthful South African side takes on Zimbabwe in the first ever T20 International series between the two neighbouring nations in Bulawayo from 11 to 19 September.
The five match series at Queen’s Sports Club marks a significant moment for women’s cricket on the continent, with the teams meeting at senior international level for the first time.
All five matches, scheduled for 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 September, will start at 13:30.
Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt said the historic nature of the tour had added excitement to the squad’s preparations. “It’s very special for us. I think for as long as I’ve played, we haven’t played against another African team.”
“It’s pretty cool that we get to play some cricket against our neighbours. So I’m very excited to head over there,” Wolvaardt said.
Wolvaardt will captain a new look squad, with Annerie Dercksen, Karabo Meso and Kayla Reyneke the only other players in the touring group who featured at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.
The squad includes seven other capped players, among them Anneke Bosch, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz Mari Marx and Nondumiso Shangase.
Four uncapped players have also been handed an opportunity to make their international debuts.
Fidelity Titans duo Caitlin Wyngaard and Luyanda Nzuza are joined by former South Africa Under 19 Women and Warriors seamer Nthabiseng Nini, while Western Province Cobras wicketkeeper batter Jae Leigh Filander has earned a late call up following Sinalo Jafta’s hamstring injury.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the series will be an important test for the newcomers as South Africa looks to build depth ahead of the next phase of its international programme.
“The purpose is quite simple. It’s an opportunity for players to test their skills. An opportunity to give opportunities to the young players. And also for us to see where we are going forward in terms of the future of South African cricket,” Mashimbyi said.
With several nationally contracted players currently involved in domestic and franchise competitions around the world, the Zimbabwe series could also provide the emerging players with a chance to push their way into future Proteas squads.
Mashimbyi welcomes that competition. “A couple of youngsters putting their hands up. Just to put a bit of pressure on the usual players that we take on tour on a normal basis.”
“When you’ve got players that are putting their hands up and actually pushing the other players that we’ve always had in our squad, it’s good for cricket as a whole in South Africa,” he said.
For Wolvaardt, the fresh faces have already brought a different energy to the Proteas camp, and she is eager to see them carry that confidence into the series. “It’s going to be awesome to see those youngsters just express themselves and play free cricket against a new opposition.”
“Lots of talent here in the net. I’m keen to see how they all go in the games,” she said.
The historic series will therefore serve a dual purpose for South Africa: giving its emerging players valuable international exposure while opening a new chapter in the Proteas Women’s rivalry with their neighbours.
Proteas Women’s T20I Squad against Zimbabwe:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), *Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province Cobras), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Nthabiseng Nini (Warriors), *Luyanda Nzuza (Fidelity Titans), Kayla Reyneke (Western Province Cobras), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans), Faye Tunnicliffe (Western Province Cobras) and *Caitlin Wyngaard (Fidelity Titans).