Women’s World Cup 2025: Wolvaardt to lead South Africa’s 15-member team

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a 15-member Proteas Women’s squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. Laura Wolvaardt will captain the team, which includes experienced players Chloé Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, and Suné Luus, all of whom are anticipated to bring leadership and experience.

Tazmin Brits has strengthened the batting line-up, while Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, and Nodumiso Shangase provide adequate all-round coverage. Sinalo Jafta remains behind the stumps, while 17-year-old Karabo Meso makes her senior World Cup debut after competing at the U19 level in 2023 and 2025.

Nonkululeko Mlaba, a left-arm spinner, will lead the spin options, while Masabata Klaas and Tumi Sekhukhune provide variation in the pace assault. Miané Smit, a young all-rounder, has been named as the travelling reserve, a position she previously held at the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The South African women’s team will face England on October 3, followed by New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. The group stage will end with a match against the great Australians on October 25 at Indore’s Holkar Stadium.

In preparation for the world competition, the Proteas Women will tour Pakistan for a three-match one-day international series in Lahore on September 16, 19, and 22. Mandla Mashimbyi, the head coach, stated that the squad represents the best possible balance and that the group is optimistic about what they can do together in India.

“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,” said Mashimbyi as quoted by CSA.

“I am happy for all the players and management who will be getting on that plane to India, but I am even more excited to see what they can achieve together as a group. 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,” she added.

CSA Convenor of Selectors Clinton du Preez stated that the squad was chosen through a consistent selection process, with recent performances playing a central role. He noted that participation in a World Cup is regarded as a prestigious milestone for every player.

“The make-up of the squad is underpinned by the consistent selection process that was adhered to during the recent ICC Women’s Championship cycle, while taking into account the subcontinent conditions and the different characteristics of the group required for a successful tournament of this nature,” said du Preez.

“A massive congratulations to all the players who have been selected for this prestigious tournament. Their hard work and sacrifice over the past three years have earned them an opportunity to represent South Africa at a 50-over World Cup – an honour a player receives a few times in their career,” he added.

South Africa Women Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon

Travelling Reserve: Miané Smit

Pakistan Tour Schedule