South Africa’s selection committee has confirmed a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. After ending as runners-up in the ODI edition in 2025, South Africa Women will now look to capture their first ICC title.
Shabnim Ismail has been included in the national squad after coming out of international retirement. She had stepped away from the international game following the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, with her last T20I appearance coming against Australia in Cape Town.
The fast bowler has claimed 123 wickets in 112 T20I innings at an economy rate of 5.77. The 37-year-old also made an impact for Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League 2026, taking six wickets in seven innings while maintaining an economy rate of 6.17.
Laura Wolvaardt will captain the side, which also includes several established players. Tazmin Brits, Suné Luus, Chloé Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba are among the experienced names selected for the tournament.
Young all-rounder Kayla Reyneke has received her first senior World Cup call-up after an impressive international season. The 20-year-old has played nine T20Is, scoring 159 runs at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 157.21. She has also taken five wickets in those matches at an economy rate of 7.00.
Several important players have returned to the squad as well. Marizanne Kapp is back after recovering from illness, while Dané van Niekerk has returned following a calf injury. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has also rejoined the group after missing the recent India series because of a wrist injury.
South Africa Squad
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dané van Niekerk.
