Shock recall for pacer as South Africa name squad for T20WC

South Africa have confirmed their 15-member squad to compete at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the return of ace pacer Shabnim Ismail, who has reversed her retirement to make herself available for the marquee event.

She brings experience and depth to the Proteas pace battery and is South Africa's leading wicket-taker in ODIs and T20Is, with 123 wickets from just 113 games in the latter.

The 37-year-old last featured in the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup on home soil, where South Africa lost to Australia in the Final.

The in-form Laura Wolvaardt, currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings, will lead South Africa for the second tournament in a row.

South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), 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.

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Speaking on Ismail's return, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi stated that her return was meant to boost the South Africa setup.

"Looking at the ODI World Cup last year (of which South Africa were the runner-ups), we felt we needed that X-factor. And she definitely carries that. She's a fighter. Good on the field.

"And not talking about skills only, the thing she brings out of that skill. This addition will make sure that we'll fight all the way."

Another player returning is important all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who makes her return after an injury lay-off, that saw her miss the series against New Zealand and India. Discussing her comeback into the side, the caoch said,

"If you don't eat food for a long time, you get hungry. That's where she is, hungry for more cricket. Medically it's all a green light, and she's fit and raring to go."

Having finished runners-up in the last two editions, Wolvaardt and the Proteas will be hoping to go one step further this time around.

Wolvaardt will be integral to the Proteas batting alongside Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits and former skipper Dane van Nierkerk.

While Marizanne Kapp and Annerie Dercksen will be joined by former South Africa U19 skipper Kayla Reyneke to aid with bat or ball. This will be Reyneke's first senior Women's ICC tournament with the Proteas.

The bowling department will consist of top-notch pacers in Ayabonga Khaka and Ismail, while Nonkululeko Mlaba will bring in her spin variations to provide breakthroughs.

South Africa kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Australia on June 13 in Manchester.

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South Africa fixtures at Women's T20WC 2026:

v Australia, June 13, Manchester, 2:30 PM

v Pakistan, June 17, Birmingham, 6:30 PM

v India, June 21, Manchester, 2:30 PM

v Netherlands, June 25, Bristol, 6:30 PM

v Bangladesh, June 28, Lord's, 10:30AM

*All timings are in local time