South Africa Unveils Squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket South Africa has unveiled its 15-player squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in England and Wales. Led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, the team sees the return of experienced players like Shabnim Ismail and welcomes new talent such as Kayla Reyneke. The Proteas will embark on their journey with a training camp in Arundel before facing Australia in their opening match on June 13. Coach Mandla Mashimbyi expresses confidence in the team's preparation and aims for success in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 17:59 IST

CSA Reveals Squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in England and Wales starting June 12. Laura Wolvaardt will lead the Proteas Women as captain.

Key Player Returns and New Faces

The squad marks the return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, who aims to help South Africa secure their first world title. The 37-year-old last played for the Proteas during the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023, boasting 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets.

Joining her are Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, both returning from injuries. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also makes a comeback after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined her during the recent T20I series against India, teaming up with Sinalo Jafta in the wicketkeeping role.

Kayla Reyneke is set to make her senior World Cup debut after a standout international season, finishing the 2025/26 campaign with an impressive batting average of 53 and five wickets in her first nine T20Is.

Complete Squad and Bowling Line-up

The rest of the squad includes Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon. The bowling lineup features seamers Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune, along with spin specialist Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Pre-Tournament Plans and Group Stage Matches

The Proteas will kick off their journey by departing for England on May 25 for a training camp in Arundel, where they will play three practice matches against Australia from May 31 to June 4, before focusing on the official World Cup warm-up games.

Having reached the finals of the last three ICC tournaments, South Africa will commence their T20 World Cup campaign in Group 1 against Australia on June 13 in Manchester, followed by matches against Pakistan, India, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh.

Coach's Insights

Mandla Mashimbyi, head coach of the Proteas Women, expressed excitement for the upcoming tournament, stating, "The players have put in significant effort over the past months. Our 4-1 series victory against India has boosted our confidence, but we still have final adjustments to make before the World Cup begins."

"Having Shabnim back is invaluable. Her determination to represent South Africa and contribute to the team's success is evident. We are also thrilled to have Marizanne, Dane, and Karabo back. Every team enters a World Cup with the goal of winning, and we share that ambition, but we also focus on enjoying the process and improving with each game as the tournament progresses," he added.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

The squad includes: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, and Dane van Niekerk.

Upcoming Fixtures - ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

The fixtures are as follows:

Saturday, 13 June - Old Trafford, Manchester: South Africa vs Australia

Wednesday, 17 June - Edgbaston, Birmingham: South Africa vs Pakistan

Sunday, 21 June - Old Trafford, Manchester: South Africa vs India

Thursday, 25 June - Bristol County Ground, Bristol: South Africa vs Netherlands

Sunday, 28 June - Lord's, London: South Africa vs Bangladesh