Proteas Women's Cricket Team Announces Squads for Ireland Series

South Africa's Women Set for Series Against Ireland

Johannesburg, South Africa - November 21: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed the squads for the Proteas women's team ahead of their upcoming matches against Ireland. Following their impressive run to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 finals, South Africa will engage in three T20 internationals and three ODIs against the European side in December 2025.

This announcement marks the return of former captain Dane van Niekerk to both the T20I and ODI teams, as reported by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Van Niekerk is making her comeback after a four-year hiatus from international cricket. She had initially announced her retirement in March 2023 after being omitted from that year's T20 World Cup squad, but she reversed her decision in August.

Clinton du Preez, the Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors, commented on Van Niekerk's return, stating, “Dane’s comeback is due to her impressive domestic performance, showcasing both consistency and skill. We anticipate her valuable contributions in both formats.”

Mandla Mashimbyi, the head coach of the Proteas Women, expressed his excitement, saying, “We all recognize her talent and understanding of the game. It’s crucial for her to focus on winning matches for the team. She has a legacy to uphold and now has a second chance to demonstrate her abilities.”

In addition to Van Niekerk's return, the ODI squad features six newcomers compared to the team that recently participated in the Women’s World Cup in India.

All-rounder Leah Jones is set to earn her first ODI cap, while batters Lara Goodall and Faye Tunnicliffe have also been included. The squad will see the addition of seamer Ayanda Hlubi and all-rounders Eliz-Mari Marx and Miane Smit, while several key players will be rested for the ODI series.

Notable absentees include Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klass, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk, who will only participate in the T20I matches. Laura Wolvaardt will captain the team in both formats.

Anneke Bosch, a batting all-rounder, will not be part of either squad and will return to domestic cricket. Van Niekerk and Tunnicliffe are the only new additions to the T20 squad from the 2024 World Cup.

With the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales approaching in eight months, South Africa has selected a strong team for the shorter format.

Mandla Mashimbyi reflected on the squads, stating, “This is a time filled with potential and renewed energy following our World Cup campaign. It was essential to reflect and reset, and I believe we have achieved that effectively. I look forward to collaborating with all the selected players, both the newcomers and the returning ones, as we advance on our journey. I am particularly eager to see how the new combinations will work together, as these factors will aid in our ongoing development as a team.”

South Africa's T20I squad includes: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Dane van Niekerk.

South Africa's ODI squad features: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Dane van Niekerk.