SA has announced its squad for the T20 WC

South Africa has announced its squad for the T20 World Cup in the UAE, featuring promising young players alongside seasoned veterans. Uncapped 18-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu and 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi have been included in the 15-member squad led by Laura Wolvaardt. Both players gained attention during the inaugural Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa last year.

While the core of the squad comprises players who reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, notable omissions include Lara Goodall, Masabata Klaas, and Delmi Tucker, with Shabnim Ismail having retired. Interim coach Dillon du Preez continues to lead the team, having taken over from Hilton Moreeng in June, and South Africa is still in the process of appointing a permanent head coach.

The squad is bolstered by experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, opener Tazmin Brits, and seamer Ayabonga Khaka. Nadine de Klerk, currently rehabilitating from an Achilles injury, is anticipated to be fit for the tournament. As part of their preparation, the team is set to play three matches in Pakistan before heading to the UAE.

The inclusion of the young Naidu and Hlubi suggests a forward-looking approach, particularly in light of Ismail's retirement and former captain Dane van Niekerk's controversial absence from the T20 World Cup. Van Niekerk has returned to domestic cricket but has stated there is no timeline for her return to the national side. Convener of selectors Clinton du Preez emphasised that van Niekerk must earn her way back into the team.

Du Preez characterised the squad as being in "transition," highlighting the potential of newcomers like Naidu and Hlubi, who both play for the Dolphins. Hlubi was among the top ten wicket-takers in Division One 50-over cricket last season and has toured with the national team. Naidu is seen as a future star, having impressed during the Africa Games earlier this year.

The team has multiple seam-bowling options and is led in spin by Nonkululeko Mlaba. However, batting depth is a concern, particularly with Sune Luus struggling for form, having failed to score more than 19 in her last six T20I innings. Since last year's T20 World Cup final, South Africa's performance has been subpar, with only five wins in 18 T20Is.

In the World Cup, South Africa is placed in Group B and will kick off their campaign against the West Indies, followed by matches against England, Scotland, and Bangladesh. While the team has no T20I experience in Dubai, some players have competed in Sharjah before.

South Africa's squad for the tournament consists of: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon. Travelling Reserve: Miane Smit