Laura Wolvaardt to lead SA’s Women’s T20 World Cup assault

Cricket South Africa has announced the 15-player Proteas Women squad for the T20I series in Pakistan and the T20 World Cup in the UAE.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead the team in a world cup for the first time.

She will be supported by experienced players Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, and Chloé Tryon, alongside talents like Tazmin Brits, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune and Nadine de Klerk, who is expected to recover from an Achilles injury.

Uncapped Dolphins leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu has earned her first call-up after impressive performances for the SA U19 Women and SA Emerging over the past two years.

The 18-year-old will be joined by fellow youngsters Ayanda Hlubi and Annerie Dercksen.

The Proteas will face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series from September 16 to 20 in Multan before heading to the UAE for the ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

South Africa will face the West Indies (October 4), England (October 7), Scotland (October 9) and Bangladesh (October 12) in Group B.

The semi-finals are scheduled for October 17 and 18, with the final on October 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Interim head coach Dillon du Preez’s team will have a final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations with two warm-up matches, against New Zealand on September 29 and India on October 1, at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.

“While playing in the UAE presents some unknowns, we have conducted thorough research and selected a balanced squad that complements the conditions, with strategic options in mind as we head into the T20 World Cup,” said Proteas Women convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez.

“Laura has been exceptional as a leader, bringing a holistic approach to the team. She leads with respect and integrity, and we are excited to see her leadership and playing qualities shine at the world cup.

“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.”

Proteas Women squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c, Titans), Anneke Bosch (Titans), Tazmin Brits (Lions), Nadine de Klerk (WP), Annerie Dercksen (Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (Lions), Marizanne Kapp (WP), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Suné Luus (Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (Lions), Chloé Tryon (Lions). Travelling reserve: Miané Smit (Free State).

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