South Africa Women are set to kickstart a pivotal white-ball tour of the West Indies from June 11 to 23, aiming to recalibrate and regain momentum after a disappointing tri-nation series in Sri Lanka.
With the ICC Women’s World Cup in India looming later this year, this six-match series — comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, all to be played at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados — offers the Proteas a critical platform to regroup, experiment, and solidify their squad combinations.
Compared to the squad that played in the Sri Lanka tri-series, Lara Goodall and Seshnie Naidu have been left out of South Africa’s touring party for the West Indies. Replacing them in the lineup are seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and pace bowlers Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi, who return to the setup to strengthen the seam department ahead of the all-important series.
A major boost for the Proteas comes in the form of ace all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who returns to action after being rested for the Sri Lanka tour. She last donned South African colours during the home series against England in December and has since been on a conditioning program, following her stint at the Women’s Premier League in March. Kapp’s inclusion is a timely one, with her experience expected to anchor both the batting and bowling departments.
Joining Kapp in the comeback club are seamers Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi, both of whom missed the Sri Lanka tour. Their return bolsters South Africa’s seam arsenal to seven options, reinforcing a pace-heavy approach in the Caribbean conditions. The trio replaces spinner Seshnie Naidu and batter Lara Goodall, both of whom featured in the recent tri-series.
This tour also marks a significant milestone for 20-year-old Miané Smit, who receives her maiden T20I call-up after debuting in the ODI format during the Sri Lanka tour. With her inclusion, the selectors continue to invest in fresh talent as they explore dynamic options ahead of the World Cup.
Despite the changes, some key names retain their spots. Promising 17-year-old wicketkeeper Karabo Meso has held onto her place, joined again by Sinalo Jafta as the dual wicketkeeping options. Spin continues to be a focal point as well, with five slow-bowling choices including Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nondumiso Shangase, Suné Luus, Chloé Tryon, and the young Smit offering varied dimensions to the attack.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who took over in December last year, will oversee his first T20I series in charge. His tenure begins with high hopes, especially after South Africa’s recent form has raised questions. They missed the final in Sri Lanka after a string of defeats and have managed only three wins in their last 13 ODIs.
Reflecting on the recent struggles and eyeing a reset, Mashimbyi introduced his thoughts with optimism, sharing “Sri Lanka was tough, but we took a lot of positives out of that, and whatever gaps we’ve picked up, we want to make sure that we brush up on them. I’m looking forward to that, and the players have been working to make sure that they prepare well for the Caribbean tour.”
Looking ahead at the West Indies series, the coach emphasized the opportunity it presents. He said, “It’s an exciting white-ball tour ahead in the West Indies, and a fantastic opportunity for the players to continue testing their skills. The more cricket we play, the more we learn about our combinations and individual growth as a team.”
The pressure is undeniably mounting for the Proteas Women to convert potential into performance. They were semi-finalists at the 2022 ODI World Cup and runners-up in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup. With limited fixtures ahead — including a home series against Pakistan before heading to India — this tour could prove decisive in shaping South Africa’s core group for the global stage.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt will once again lead the side, hoping her team can replicate the strong performance they produced the last time they played West Indies in ODIs. The Caribbean outfit, currently engaged in a series against England, will be a stern test, especially in home conditions.
A notable absence remains Anneke Bosch, still recovering from illness after missing the Sri Lanka tour. Her unavailability, alongside the exclusion of Goodall, opens further space for younger players to rise. As the team embraces this transition, all eyes will be on the senior core — Kapp, Luus, Tryon, and Khaka — to guide the group through what promises to be an intense fortnight in Barbados.
South Africa Women’s Squad for West Indies Tour:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Chloé Tryon
West Indies v South Africa – Fixtures at Three Ws Oval, Barbados
1st ODI: Wednesday, June 11
2nd ODI: Saturday, June 14
3rd ODI: Tuesday, June 17
1st T20I: Friday, June 20
2nd T20I: Sunday, June 22
3rd T20I: Monday, June 23
With seasoned campaigners returning, youngsters hungry to impress, and a new coach in the hot seat, the West Indies tour is shaping up to be a defining chapter in the Proteas’ World Cup story.
(Quotes sourced from the ICC)
