By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Laura Wolvaardt has been named captain of South Africa’s 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which begins on 30 September and runs until 2 November across India and Sri Lanka.
The tournament, now in its 13th edition, will be jointly hosted for the first time by India and Sri Lanka. It is India’s fourth time staging the women’s showpiece, while Sri Lanka debuts as co-host. Defending champions Australia will be aiming for an eighth crown, with this event marking the final World Cup to feature eight teams before expansion in the next cycle.
For South Africa, the squad reflects a balance of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. Wolvaardt will lead an experienced core including all-rounders Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus and Chloé Tryon, alongside seamer Ayabonga Khaka, all of whom played pivotal roles in the Proteas’ run to the semi-finals of the last ODI World Cup.
One of the most notable inclusions is 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso, who receives her maiden World Cup call-up. Despite only two ODI appearances at senior level, Meso has already represented her country at two Under-19 World Cups and impressed domestically, lifting the SA20 Schools title earlier this year. Off-spin all-rounder Nondumiso Shangase is the other player who is set for a first senior World Cup.
Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen will also make their ODI World Cup debuts, having previously featured in T20 squads. They are joined by reliable names such as Tazmin Brits, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune and wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta. Rising all-rounder Miané Smit has been named as the travelling reserve.
Former captain Dane van Niekerk misses out once again, despite being part of a recent training camp. Others omitted from the final cut include Lara Goodall, Faye Tunnicliffe and seamer Ayanda Hlubi.
This will be the first global tournament under head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who took charge last year. His side has shown mixed results, winning four of ten ODIs since his appointment, but he believes the group is primed for a breakthrough. “From the moment I joined this team, and even before, it was about working towards this moment,” Mashimbyi said. “We believe we have the squad that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it’s about carrying that belief with us every step of the way.”
In the lead up to the tournament, South Africa will play a three-match ODI series in Pakistan from 16 to 22 September before travelling to India for their tournament opener against England on 3 October. Their group fixtures also include contests against New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and defending champions Australia, whom they meet in their final group game on 25 October.
With two consecutive ODI World Cup semi-finals and back-to-back T20 World Cup finals in recent years, expectations are high for the Proteas to make the next step.
South Africa squad for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon.
Travelling reserve: Miané Smit.