In a mix of experience and fresh talent, South Africa women’s squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand sees 36-year-old veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp sidelined for rehabilitation, paving the way for 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke’s maiden ODI call-up alongside the returns of Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, and Dané van Niekerk.
Kapp, a cornerstone of the Proteas with her explosive all-round prowess, will miss the five T20Is and three ODIs after falling ill during the third T20I against Pakistan last month. She sat out the subsequent ODI series and now enters a “return-to-play protocol” to build fitness ahead of future tours. Her absence leaves a void, but captain Laura Wolvaardt leads a 15-player group hungry to impress in this ICC Women’s Championship fixture.
Stepping into the spotlight is off-spin bowling all-rounder Kayla Reyneke, whose breakout T20I debut against Pakistan turned heads. The 20-year-old claimed 2 for 13 from four overs before unleashing an unbeaten 29 off 16 balls, at a strike rate of 181.25, to seal a thrilling chase in the opener, earning Player of the Match honours. Her inclusion signals South Africa’s push to deepen their all-rounder options. She picked up three wickets in the series at an average of 9.66 and an economy of 4.83 in a couple of innings with the ball for her side in the series.
Adding steel to the attack are the returning trio: pace bowler Ayabonga Khaka, seamer Masabata Klaas, and the evergreen Dane van Niekerk, all absent during the Pakistan ODIs. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi emphasised the tour’s demands: “Touring New Zealand always presents unique challenges. The conditions require adaptability, especially when playing across multiple venues where the surfaces and weather can differ. We must adjust quickly, apply ourselves and maintain the standards we have set as a team.”
The Amelia Kerr-led White Ferns hosts the Proteas for a white-ball series from 15th March to 4th April 2026. The nearly three-week tour kicks off with five women’s T20Is as double-headers alongside the men’s series, from March 15 to 25 across Mount Maunganui, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The ODIs follow on March 29 (Christchurch), April 1 (Wellington), and April 4 (Wellington).
Mashimbyi views it as prime development ground, “This tour gives us another valuable opportunity to test our combinations, deepen our squad and continue evolving our brand of cricket against quality opposition.” With Kapp’s rehab underway and the rising star and under-19 skipper Kayla Reyneke in the mix with the senior team, the Proteas eye a statement series in New Zealand.
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