Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the South Africa under-19 women’s squad for the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The much-anticipated tournament is set to take place in Malaysia from 18 January to 02 February 2025, and the junior Proteas are ready to showcase their talent on the global stage.
The 15-member squad will be led by Western Province’s all-rounder Kayla Reyneke, who brings a wealth of experience and a commanding presence to the team. The squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers, including seven players from the inaugural edition of the tournament. Among the returnees are Jemma Botha, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, and Nthabiseng Nini. Diara Ramlakan, who previously served as a non-traveling reserve, has earned a spot in the main squad this time.
Adding depth and versatility to the lineup are leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu and wicketkeeper Karabo Meso, both of whom have senior international experience. Naidu made her debut in a series against Pakistan ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, while Meso debuted against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Their presence is expected to provide stability and leadership within the team.
The South African squad retains the same group of players that recently competed against Ireland, followed by a challenging Triangular series against India’s U19 A and B teams in Pune. This experience has bolstered the team’s confidence and prepared them for the rigors of World Cup cricket.
In the first match against India A, Kayla Reyneke dazzled with a powerful 74 off 48 balls, supported by Mieke van Voorst’s 46 off 38. Fay Cowling stood out with the ball, taking 4 for 23 to secure a memorable victory.
Despite a low team total of 96 for 8 in 2nd match against India B, Karabo Meso displayed resilience with a gritty 40 off 49. Kayla Reyneke contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 8 off 5 and taking 2 for 19. Ashleigh van Wyk shone with figures of 3 for 19.
In a high-pressure final, Reyneke top-scored with 37 off 29, underlining her consistency throughout the series. The series saw South Africa’s highest run-scorer, Reyneke, accumulate 206 runs in five matches, a promising sign ahead of the World Cup. The same squad also played against Ireland and adding to their preparations a few of the players also played in the African Games earlier this year.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, head coach Dinesha Devnarain expressed pride in the squad’s progress, “This squad reflects the hunger and determination we’ve built over the last 18 months of preparation. The challenges we faced in India tested us, highlighted areas for growth, and ignited a drive within the team to compete at the highest level. We’ve selected a vibrant, versatile group that embodies the demands of modern cricket.”
South Africa has been drawn into Group C, where they will face Samoa, New Zealand, and Nigeria. Their campaign begins on 18 January 2025 against New Zealand, with warm-up matches scheduled against Ireland and India on 13 and 15 January, respectively.
Coach Devnarain emphasized the team’s ambitions, “Our goal is clear: to represent South Africa with pride, dominate the group stages, and ultimately bring the World Cup home.”
With a balanced squad brimming with talent, South Africa is poised to make a strong statement in Malaysia. The blend of experience, youthful exuberance, and meticulous preparation makes them a formidable contender for the title.
South Africa women’s squad for U19 World Cup:
Kayla Reyneke (C), Jemma Botha, Fay Cowling, Jae-Leigh Filander, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Diara Ramlakan, Diedré van Rensburg, Mieke van Voorst, Ashleigh van Wyk, Chanel Venter
Non-Travelling Reserves: Lethabo Bidli, Keamogetswe Chuene, Jenna-Lee Lubbe, Jané Verhage, Sinelethu Yaso
(Quotes sourced from ICC media release)
Loves all things female cricket
