South Africa Unveils Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
South Africa's Squad Announcement for T20 World Cup
Johannesburg, South Africa - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed the 15-player roster for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to occur in England and Wales starting June 12.
Leading the Proteas Women will be Laura Wolvaardt. The squad marks the return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, as South Africa aims for their first world title, according to a CSA announcement.
The 37-year-old Ismail, who last played for the Proteas in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023, brings extensive experience with 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets.
Joining her are Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, both back after recovering from health issues and injuries, respectively. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also makes her return 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.
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.
The Proteas will kick off their journey by departing for England on May 25 for a training camp in Arundel, where they will face Australia in three practice matches from May 31 to June 4, before focusing on the official World Cup warm-up games.
After reaching 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.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, stating, “We’re excited for the big show ahead, and I think the players have really put in the work over the last few months. The 4-1 series win against India gave us a lot of confidence, but there are still final touch-ups we need to make before the World Cup starts.”
He added, “Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had good conversations, and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We’re also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dane, and Karabo available again. Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us, it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time, and continuing to improve as the tournament advances.”
**Proteas Women’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:**
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, Dane van Niekerk.
**Proteas Fixtures – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026**
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.