Women's World Cup 2025: Wolvaardt to lead South Africa's 15-member squad

Published - 03 Sept 2025, 17:34 IST | Updated - 03 Sept 2025, 17:48 IST

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named a 15-member Proteas Women’s squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. The side will be captained by Laura Wolvaardt and features senior players Chloé Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, and Suné Luus, who are expected to provide both leadership and experience.

The batting group has been boosted by the inclusion of Tazmin Brits, while the all-rounder department is well covered with Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, and Nodumiso Shangase. Behind the stumps, Sinalo Jafta has been retained, with 17-year-old Karabo Meso making her maiden senior World Cup appearance after previously competing at the U19 level in 2023 and 2025.

In bowling, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba will lead the spin options, while seamers Masabata Klaas and Tumi Sekhukhune bring variety to the pace attack. Young all-rounder Miané Smit has been included as the travelling reserve, a role she also fulfilled at the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The Proteas women will open their campaign on October 3 against England, before taking on New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. The group stage will conclude with a clash against the mighty Australian side on October 25, set to be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

In preparation for the global tournament, the Proteas Women are scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series on September 16, 19, and 22 in Lahore. The head coach Mandla Mashimbyi indicated that the squad reflects the best possible balance available and that there is optimism about what the group can achieve 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.

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