In a much-awaited announcement ahead of the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025 in Sri Lanka, Cricket South Africa has named three uncapped players — Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, and Miane Smit — in their squad for the upcoming series in Sri Lanka. The much-anticipated tri-series, featuring the hosts, India, and South Africa, is set to get underway on April 27, with all matches scheduled at the iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
The inclusion of these promising youngsters marks an important step in South Africa’s efforts to broaden their talent pool and offer international exposure to emerging players. While Meso, Naidu, and Smit are yet to receive their international caps, their selection reflects the confidence the selectors have in their potential and domestic performances. With experienced campaigners and fresh faces combining forces, the Proteas will be eager to test their bench strength and build momentum in this high-stakes tri-series.
Karabo Meso
Among the three fresh faces who have been roped-in for the tri-series, 17-year-old Karabo Meso poses as one of the most exciting prospects. The talented wicketkeeper-batter has received her maiden national call-up for the Tri-Nation ODI Series on the back of an impressive domestic season. Meso drew curtains on her personal accolades as the seventh-highest run scorer in 2024/25 CSA Women’s Pro50 Series. In eight games, she amassed 275 runs at an incredibly sound average of 45.83, including a superb hundred — a career-best 128. Her consistency transcends the boundaries in the shortest format as well, scoring 167 runs in seven innings in the CSA Women’s Pro20 Series. With her fearless stroke play, the teenager adds a spicy flair to the batting order ahead of the Colombo challenge.
Seshnie Naidu
The second name grabbing headlines is 19-year-old right-arm leg-spinner, Seshnie Naidu, who has been named in the national side for the upcoming Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series. While she failed to attract a plethora of opportunities during the 2024/25 CSA Women’s Pro50 Series, she was able to make her mark in the shortest format. In the 50-over tournament, she picked 2 wickets from 3 matches- while picking up six wickets with an excellent economy of 5.20 runs per over in the CSA Women’s Pro20 Series. Carrying the reputation as a tidy bowler during the middle overs, the selectors will be relying on skilful ability in subcontinental conditions.
Miane Smit
Completing the trio of teenagers is 20-year-old Miane Smit- a talented right-handed batter and medium-pace bowler. In the 2024/25 CSA Women’s Pro50 Series, Smit demonstrated her skills in both roles, scoring 249 runs in eight innings at a fine average of 35.57, with a highest innings score of 67. As a bowler, she was incisive, taking seven wickets in seven innings with an economy rate of 5.20. She has also contributed in T20 format, scoring 119 runs from six innings during the CSA Women’s Pro20 Series. Known for providing crucial breakthroughs with the ball, Smit’s addition adds depth to the Proteas’ squad.
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