The Proteas Women are packing their bags for a high-stakes trip to New Zealand this March, and the squad announcement has certainly given fans plenty to talk about. Led by the ever-reliable Laura Wolvaardt, a 15-player group has been tasked with taking on the White Ferns in a tour that spans both the shortest and longest white-ball formats. From March 15 to April 4, the team will be tested across five different venues, including iconic stops like Mount Maunganui and Christchurch, in what feels like a crucial chapter for this evolving side.
The headline of the selection has to be the maiden ODI call-up for Kayla Reyneke. The young Western Province all-rounder has been knocking on the door for a while, and after turning heads during the recent T20I series against Pakistan, she’s finally earned her spot in the 50-over setup. It’s a classic “reward for form” move by the selectors, signaling a clear intent to blend fresh energy with the core group as they look toward the future of the national side.
Experience, however, remains the backbone of this touring party. The squad is bolstered by the return of veteran seamers Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas, both of whom were missed during the recent home fixtures. Their ability to extract movement in New Zealand’s often breezy conditions will be vital. Perhaps even more heartening for the fans is the inclusion of Dané van Niekerk, whose presence adds a layer of tactical depth and leadership that is hard to replicate. However, the team will have to navigate the early stages without the talismanic Marizanne Kapp, who stays behind temporarily to complete her rehab after a recent bout of illness.
The structure of the tour is a cricket lover’s dream, featuring a “festival of double-headers” where the women’s matches will share the stage with the Proteas Men and the Black Caps. This five-match T20I series isn’t just about the trophies; it’s a vital warm-up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming up in June. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi has been vocal about using these games to “refine the small details,” knowing that the windy, open grounds of New Zealand are the perfect classroom for a team with World Cup ambitions.
Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (c), 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, Dané van Niekerk
Once the T20s wrap up, the focus shifts to the three-match ODI series, which carries even heavier weight. These games are part of the ICC Women’s Championship cycle for 2026-29, effectively serving as the first steps on the long road to the 2029 World Cup. With crucial qualification points on the line, there’s no room for a slow start. For Wolvaardt and her team, this tour is more than just an away trip—it’s a chance to prove they can adapt, survive, and thrive against one of the toughest opponents in world cricket.
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