South Africa unveil Women’s Cricket World Cup squad
Last year's ICC Women's T20I World Cup finalists will hope to go one better in the 50-over format to clinch their maiden title.
The Proteas have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup beginning from 30 September in India and Sri Lanka.
Laura Wolvaardt will head the unit with Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon and Tazmin Brits forming the core of the squad, with their wealth of experience.
Former skipper Dane van Niekerk, who recently reversed her retirement, misses out on a spot in the final squad.
South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase.
Reserve: Miané Smit
The best of Laura Wolvaardt | CWC22
Skipper Wolvaardt will take helm at the top of the order with her usual opening partner Tazmin Brits.
South Africa have a number of all-round options sitting in their middle and lower-order with Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, and Anneke Bosch in the mix.
Experienced Sinalo Jafta will be in-charge of wicketkeeping duties along with youngster Karabo Meso. In the bowling ranks, left-arm spinner Mlaba leads the spin attack while Masabata Klaas and Tumi Sekhukhune offer varying seam options. Kapp, Tryon, and de Klerk will be among other important bowling options for the side.
The best of Marizanne Kapp | CWC22
The South African all-rounder dominated with both bat and ball at the Women's World Cup in 2022.
Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi is positive about his team's prospects in the upcoming tournament.
"What a journey it has been. From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment.
"We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that we have done our best. We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud.
"We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation."
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South Africa were the semi-finalists of the previous edition of the tournament, finishing second in the group stage, before losing to England in Christchurch.
The Proteas will begin their Cricket World Cup campaign against England on 3 October in Guwahati, and then move to Indore to face New Zealand before taking on hosts India in Visakhapatnam.