By Estea Rademeyer.
Photo Credit: Suresh Rajcoomar// Fullview.
South Africa’s women are heading to England with something more valuable than optimism. They are travelling with experience, belief and, perhaps most importantly, unfinished business.
After reaching the latter stages of recent ICC events without quite managing to cross the final hurdle, the Proteas Women have assembled a squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup that feels balanced between hardened campaigners and fearless youth. It is not a team built on sentiment. It is one built to win.
At the centre of the excitement is 20 year old all rounder Kayla Reyneke, whose rise over the past few months has transformed her from promising junior into one of the most intriguing young cricketers in the global game.
Proteas coach Mandla Mashimbyi did not attempt to temper expectations. “She’s definitely somebody who is going to rock the world,” Mashimbyi said. “If the opportunity presents itself during the World Cup, I’m pretty confident that she will do well for us.”
It is easy to see why there is such confidence around Reyneke. Since making her senior debut against Pakistan earlier this year, she has brought a refreshing sense of calm aggression to South Africa’s middle order.
Her numbers are impressive enough, averaging 53 in T20 internationals while striking 12 fours and 12 sixes, but statistics alone do not explain the excitement. Reyneke plays without hesitation. She finishes innings. She absorbs pressure rather than being consumed by it. Those are qualities that cannot easily be taught.
The squad itself carries a familiar core. Captain Laura Wolvaardt will once again lead the batting unit after an outstanding home series against India in which South Africa secured a commanding 4 1 victory. Around her sits a group seasoned by major tournament cricket, including Marizanne Kapp, Dané van Niekerk, Chloé Tryon and Suné Luus.
The most significant return, however, is undoubtedly Shabnim Ismail. The fast bowler has reversed her retirement for one final World Cup push, bringing with her 123 T20 international wickets and the sort of competitive edge that changes dressing rooms. “Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group,” Mashimbyi said. “You could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special.”
There are still questions, naturally. Tazmin Brits has endured an inconsistent run with the bat, although Mashimbyi remains firmly supportive of one of his senior players. “She’s been a stalwart since I’ve taken over,” he said. “By the time we get to the World Cup, those processes will come together and she’ll fire on all cylinders.”
South Africa open their campaign against Australia at Old Trafford on 13 June, before further group matches against India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. It is a demanding schedule in a tournament expanded to 12 teams and spread across seven venues in England and Wales.
But there is a noticeable calm around this side. Less noise. Less desperation. The Proteas Women have spent enough time near the summit of world cricket to understand that tournaments are rarely won in the opening week. “We’re excited for the big show ahead,” Mashimbyi said. “Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different. For us it’s about staying in love with the process and taking it one game at a time.”
That sounds uncomplicated. In elite sport it never is. Yet South Africa arrive with the one thing every serious contender requires: options.
Experience with the new ball. Power through the middle order. Tactical flexibility. Youthful fearlessness. And perhaps, in Reyneke, the possibility of a player capable of changing the shape of matches in a matter of overs. For a side still chasing its first major ICC trophy, that may be exactly what is needed.
Proteas’ ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Shabnim Ismail (DP World Lions), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province).