South Africa have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Star opener Laura Wolvaardt has been entrusted with the captaincy, marking the start of their final preparations for the sport’s grandest stage.
The 15-member group announced on 3 September is spearheaded by Laura Wolvaardt, entrusted with leading the charge in her first 50-over World Cup as captain. Surrounding her are senior figures Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka, and Tazmin Brits, the core around which South Africa’s ambitions revolve.
The selectors have opted for continuity but with a few adjustments. Anneke Bosch is included, providing top-order depth, while Miané Smit travels as reserve after missing out on the main squad. Ayanda Hlubi, who featured earlier in the year, has been left out altogether.
Despite reversing her retirement, Dane van Niekerk has not been named. She last represented South Africa in 2021 and, although part of the training squad, could not force her way into the final 15.
A number of players will be stepping into the ODI World Cup arena for the first time. Karabo Meso, the 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter with two ODIs is the youngest member of the squad. She arrives with experience from two U19 World Cups and success at school level, having lifted the SA20 Schools title with Steyn City. Alongside her, Nondumiso Shangase secured a maiden call-up to a 50-over global event after a recall in May.
Three more players — Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, and Annerie Dercksen — expand their resumes, having previously featured only in T20 World Cup squads.
South Africa’s squad for ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase
The year 2025 has produced mixed results for the side, with 3 wins in 7 outings. Still, certain players have stood out with consistent performances. Tazmin Brits tops the batting charts with 371 runs, closely followed by Annerie Dercksen with 329 runs. On the bowling front, Nonkululeko Mlaba has led the attack superbly, claiming 13 wickets in 6 games, while Masabata Klaas chipped in with 8 wickets from just 4 appearances.
The journey has been far from smooth. In the Tri-Nation Series against India and hosts Sri Lanka, they managed just 1 win in 4 games. Despite the results, Dercksen’s form was a major highlight as she finished with 276 runs, the highest in the series, while Chloe Tryon contributed with 6 wickets. Their fortunes improved during the West Indies tour in June, where they secured a 2-1 series win. Brits scored 184 runs, Wolvaardt added 130, and Mlaba once again impressed with 7 wickets in 3 games.
Since finishing as semi-finalists in the 2022 edition in New Zealand, South Africa have been eager to go two steps further. They have participated in every World Cup since their debut in 1997, and their best results have been semi-final finishes in 2000, 2017, and 2022.
Before the World Cup begins, South Africa will fine-tune their preparations with a three-match ODI series in Lahore against Pakistan, followed by two warm-ups – against New Zealand on 25th September and India on 28th September.
South Africa’s Fixtures at ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
- 3 October 2025 – vs England | Guwahati
- 6 October 2025 – vs New Zealand | Indore
- 9 October 2025 – vs India | Vizag
- 13 October 2025 – vs Bangladesh | Vizag
- 17 October 2025 – vs Sri Lanka | Colombo
- 21 October 2025 – vs Pakistan | Colombo
- 25 October 2025 – vs Australia | Indore
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