The Proteas Women concluded their national training camp in Tshwane, which ran from 18 to 21 February, marking the first under head coach Mandla Mashimbyi. The intensive sessions at the CSA Centre of Excellence focused on fitness, skills, and tactical preparations as the team set their sights on the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India later this year.
The 17-player squad featured primarily One-Day International-capped players, with uncapped all-rounder Miane Smit also part of the group. She was also a travelling reserve during last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. Delmi Tucker of World Sports Betting Western Province made her return after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloé Tryon, and captain Laura Wolvaardt missed the camp due to their commitments in the ongoing 3rd edition of the Women’s Premier League in India.
The ICC Women’s Championship, which serves as the primary pathway for World Cup qualification, saw South Africa finish fourth with 12 wins in 24 matches. This top six finish guaranteed their spot in the 2025 edition, alongside Australia, India, England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, teams finishing 7th to 10th- Bangladesh, West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland will compete in the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, joined by the next two best-ranked ODI teams, Scotland and Thailand. The six-team tournament, scheduled for April 2025 in Pakistan, will determine the final two teams for the World Cup.
With their direct qualification secured, South Africa’s focus now shifts to fine-tuning their squad and strategies for the World Cup. Having reached the semi-finals of the previous World Cup in 2022, the Proteas Women will be eager to take their campaign a step further and challenge for the title in World Cup 2025.
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