To build on their runners-up finish in the 2023 home T20 Women’s World Cup, South Africa’s best-ever in the tournament’s 8-season history, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a few young talents to their mix of a largely seasoned squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled from the 3rd to the 20th of October 2024, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Laura Wolvaardt, 26, will captain South Africa for the first time at a World Cup, supported by a seasoned group that includes former skipper Sune Luus, who guided the team to the Final last edition, and backed by a core of experienced players in Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine De Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, and Tazmin Brits.
Uncapped leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, 18, has caught attention with her maiden call-up. Having consistently excelled from under-19 tournaments and series to representing the ‘South Africa Emerging’ team against senior sides like Zimbabwe, Naidu’s remarkable performances have earned her this breakthrough opportunity, showcasing the rewards of her hard work over the past couple of years.
With the upcoming World Cup in the UAE, leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu is seen as a crucial asset for the team. Convenor of selectors, Clinton du Preez, highlighted her potential impact as an “X-factor,” stating, “Seshnie Naidu has shown significant growth as a bowler within our camps, and we see her as an X-factor for the World Cup. She brings a unique element to our bowling attack, offering something different that could be pivotal.”
Seshnie will have young company in upcoming talents Ayanda Hlubi (20) and Annerie Dercksen (23). Ayanda impressed with 2 wickets on both her ODI and T20I debuts. Though she hasn’t featured in T20Is since her debut against Bangladesh late last year, she played a couple of ODIs, also her most recent international matches, against Australia earlier this year.
Annerie Dercksen, despite a modest showing on South Africa’s recent tour of India, has kept her spot in the squad. Notably, the selectors have made just a couple of changes from the previous T20I squad, with Masabata Klaas and Eliz-Mari Marx being replaced by Ayanda Hlubi and Seshnie Naidu. Additionally, 19-year-old batting all-rounder Miané Smit has been included as a traveling reserve.
South Africa’s squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon
Travelling reserve: Miané Smit
Ahead of the World Cup, the same squad of 15, plus one, will face Pakistan in three T20Is and participate in two official warm-up games. Clubbed in Group B, South Africa will kick off their campaign against the West Indies, followed by matches against England, Scotland, and Bangladesh in the group stage.