Wolvaardt backs youngsters to shine in Zimbabwe

Laura Wolvaardt will lead a new-look South Africa squad in a historic five-match T20I series between the two neighbouring nations from September 11-19 at the Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt was elated at the prospect of facing a fellow African side.

“It’s very special for us. I think for as long as I’ve played, we haven’t played against another African team.

“It’s pretty cool that we get to play some cricket against our neighbours. So I’m very excited to head over there,” Wolvaardt said.

The Proteas are travelling with a relatively young squad to Zimbabwe, with Annerie Dercksen, Karabo Meso and Kayla Reyneke the only other players apart from the South African captain, to have featured in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Wolvaardt expressed her excitement at leading a young side. 

“It’s going to be awesome to see those youngsters just express themselves and play free cricket against a new opposition.

“Lots of talent here in the net. I’m keen to see how they all go in the games."

The squad includes seven capped players, including batters Anneke Bosch, Miané Smit and Faye Tunnicliffe, as well as Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx and Nondumiso Shangase, taking care of the team’s bowling and all-round options.

Four uncapped youngters in Caitlin Wyngaard, Luyanda Nzuza, Nthabiseng Nini, and Jae-Leigh Filander, who received a late call-up due to Sinalo Jafta's injury, will be a part of the travelling unit.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi sees the Zimbabwe series as an opportunity to assess the next generation of players as the team continues building towards ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup cycle in 2029.

"The purpose is quite simple. It’s an opportunity for players to test their skills. An opportunity to give opportunities to the young players. And also for us to see where we are going forward in terms of the future of South African cricket," Mashimbyi said.

"When you’ve got players that are putting their hands up and actually pushing the other players that we’ve always had in our squad, it’s good for cricket as a whole in South Africa.

“So for me, the positive thing will be seeing these youngsters actually do well. And also seeing Laura lead the team.”

Proteas Women’s T20I Squad against Zimbabwe:

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Jae-Leigh Filander, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Caitlin Wyngaard. 

Fixtures:  

Friday, 11 September - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo 

Sunday, 13 September - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo 

Tuesday, 15 September - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo 

Thursday, 17 September - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo 

Saturday, 19 September - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo