South Africa have named 18-year-old uncapped leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu in their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the UAE from October 3 to 20.
Naidu earned her spot in the senior team following standout performances for the U19 and Emerging teams over the past two years.
South Africa squad for Women’s T20 World Cup:
Player Name |
---|
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) |
Anneke Bosch |
Tazmin Brits |
Nadine de Klerk |
Annerie Dercksen |
Mieke de Ridder |
Ayanda Hlubi |
Sinalo Jafta |
Marizanne Kapp |
Ayabonga Khaka |
Sune Luus |
Nonkululeko Mlaba |
Seshnie Naidu |
Tumi Sekhukhune |
Chloe Tryon |
Travelling Reserve: Miane Smit
This will mark Laura Wolvaardt’s first time leading South Africa in a World Cup.
Sune Luus, who captained South Africa to their maiden T20 World Cup final in early 2023, stepped down from the white-ball captaincy in August of the previous year, with Wolvaardt assuming the role.
Luus, along with seasoned players Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, and Chloe Tryon, brings valuable experience to the squad for the upcoming tournament.
Nadine de Klerk has also been selected, with hopes that she will recover from her Achilles injury in time.
The squad features additional young talents, including 20-year-old right-arm pacer Ayanda Hlubi and 23-year-old all-rounder Annerie Dercksen.
“Laura has been outstanding as a leader, adopting a holistic approach to the team,” said CSA Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez.
“She leads with respect and integrity, and we are eager to see her leadership and playing abilities shine at the World Cup.”
Du Preez also praised Seshnie Naidu, the only uncapped player in the squad: “Seshnie Naidu has shown remarkable growth as a bowler in our camps, and we view her as an X-factor for the World Cup.
She adds a unique dimension to our bowling attack, providing something different that could be decisive.”
Regarding the squad selection, Du Preez added, “We’ve had strong competition for places, and while some players will unfortunately miss out, these decisions were based on balance, form, fitness, and strategic needs for the format.
Each selection was made with careful consideration to field the best possible squad for this critical tournament.”
Before the World Cup, South Africa will play three T20Is against Pakistan in Multan from September 16-20, after which they will head to the UAE for the main event.
South Africa is placed in Group B, alongside England, Bangladesh, Scotland, and the West Indies.
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