As South Africa prepares to tour the Caribbean, fresh faces and familiar veterans headline the Proteas’ squad for their away series against the West Indies Women. The tour, scheduled from 11 June – 23 June, includes three ODIs and as many T20Is.
The fixtures will not only test the team’s depth but will also mark a new chapter under the leadership of head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who takes charge of his first T20I series. Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead a rejuvenated side aiming for consistency with their last ODI performance against India and Sri Lanka in a Tri-Series last month.
Starting the Tri-Nation campaign in Sri Lanka on the losing side, Wolvaardt’s side put up their best performance during the Tri-Series to secure a comprehensive win over hosts Sri Lanka. Chloe Tryon slammed a quick 74 and a comprehensive bowling performance with a hat-trick special 5/34. Emerging talent Annerie Dercksen went equally impressive with her maiden ODI century of 104 off 84. As the team warms up for their upcoming fixtures let’s look at the inclusions in the squad from their recent series.
Marizanne Kapp
Kapp has progressed to become one of South Africa’s premier all-rounders since making her international debut, bringing a wealth of experience and versatility. She sat out of the Sri Lanka series and is now set for a return. In ODIs, Kapp has played 149 matches, scoring 3116 runs, including 3 centuries and 15 half-centuries. With the ball, she has taken 164 wickets, with best figures of 5/45. In T20Is, she boasts 1622 runs claiming 88 wickets, with best bowling figures of 4/6.
Tumi Sekhukhune
Seamer Tumi re-enters the squad, aiming to bolster the bowling attack. In her ODI career spanning 26 matches, she has taken 22 wickets at an average of 39.13, with best figures of 2/20. In T20Is, across 38 matches, she has secured 38 wickets at an impressive average of 19.71, with best figures of 3/20.
Ayanda Hlubi
Young fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi earns a spot in the squad, bringing fresh energy to the pace department. In her brief ODI career of 4 matches she has taken 2 wickets, with best figures of 2/41. In T20Is, over 5 matches, she has claimed 5 wickets, with best figures of 2/15.
Miané Smit
Emerging talent Miané Smit retains her spot in the national squad, likely to make her debut in the T20 International series against West Indies. In her brief international career, 2 ODIs, she has taken a single wicket and also added 46 runs to the tally. While she is yet to make her mark in international cricket, her domestic performances have showcased her potential.
With these inclusions, off-spinner Seshnie Naidu and Lara Goodall, who were part of the tri-nation series squad against Sri Lanka and India, have been omitted from the touring contingent, and will be replaced by Kapp, Sekhukhune and Hlubi.
“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. 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,” expressed coach Mandla Mashimbyi.
These squad adjustments reflect Proteas strategic planning which is vital to test their resources ahead of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in India, especially after a disappointing outing in the Sri Lanka Tri-Nation series.
South Africa Women Squad for West Indies Series:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Chloé Tryon
All six matches of the series will be played at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados.
West Indies v South Africa Fixtures:
First ODI: Wednesday, June 11 – Barbados
Second ODI: Saturday, June 14 – Barbados
Third ODI: Tuesday, June 17 – Barbados
First T20I: Friday, June 20 – Barbados
Second T20I: Sunday, June 22 – Barbados
Third T20I: Monday, June 23 – Barbados
