South Africa has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming home Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka, with a notable inclusion of 16-year-old prodigy Karabo Meso, who made an impactful contribution in last year’s Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Meso, renowned for her impressive performance as a wicketkeeper-batter during the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 held in South Africa, has rightfully earned her maiden international call-up. Her exceptional skills behind the stumps saw her effecting eight dismissals in five matches, most in the tournament by a wicketkeeper, and she also found a place in U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023’s Team of the Tournament
Following her stellar display at the U19 level, Meso went on to represent South Africa in the Women’s T20 competition at the 13th African Games in Ghana, where the team won the silver medal.
Hilton Moreeng, the Proteas Women’s Head Coach, expressed his anticipation in witnessing Meso’s performance and emphasized the significance of the series in preparing the team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Hilton further mentioned, “We still have the core of the squad to make sure we can continue with what we’ve been working on regarding the T20Is. The build-up has been coming along nicely and now it’s just for us to deservingly give opportunities for those one or two spots we want to have a look at, There are a few youngsters coming in and one debutant in Karabo Meso who has been part of the High-Performance group and in the U19 World Cup. It’s a youngster who’s got a lot of potential and one we’re looking to see how she goes when given the opportunity.”
Now, with Meso’s inclusion in the senior squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, Meso is set to make her mark on the international stage. Joining Meso in the squad are the returning duo from Australia T20Is, all-rounder Annerie Dercksen and seamer Tumi Sekhukhune, filling in for the injured Ayanda Hlubi, Mieke de Ridder, and Delmi Tucker. Their addition aims to strengthen South Africa’s lineup as they gear up for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled for September-October in Bangladesh.
As part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–2025 cycle, South Africa will host Sri Lanka for a three-match Twenty20 International series, followed by an equal number of One-Day Internationals (ODIs). In due course, the ODI leg squad will be revealed.
The announced squad for the T20I series comprises a blend of experience and emerging talent, reflecting South Africa’s commitment to building a formidable team capable of competing at the highest level.
South Africa T20I squad:
Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon.