17- year-old wicketkeeper-batter named in South Africa’s ODI squad for Women’s World Cup 2025

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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 30 across India and Sri Lanka.

Star batter Laura Wolvaardt will captain the side, backed by experienced performers including Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Tazmin Brits.

The squad reflects a deliberate balance of seasoned campaigners and emerging players. Veteran all-rounders like Kapp and Luus bring invaluable experience from previous World Cups, while the inclusion of 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso underscores South Africa’s commitment to nurturing young talent on the global stage.

Notably, former captain Dane van Niekerk, who had recently reconsidered her retirement, did not make the cut. Her absence marks a significant talking point, but the selectors have opted to back a refreshed line-up as South Africa eyes its first-ever World Cup title.

South Africa enters the 2025 edition as one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides. In the previous World Cup held in New Zealand, the Proteas reached the semi-finals, finishing second in their group stage before narrowly falling to England in Christchurch. That campaign showcased their resilience, and the team will now aim to convert potential into silverware.

Also READ: BCCI reveals India’s squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025; Shafali Verma left out

South Africa will open their World Cup journey against England on October 3 in Guwahati, a rematch of their 2022 semi-final heartbreak. They will then face New Zealand in Indore, followed by a highly anticipated clash against the hosts India in Visakhapatnam. These early fixtures will test their adaptability and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

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

Also READ: England name 15-member squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.