At the CSA headquarters in Johannesburg this past Tuesday, the South African Proteas Women's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup was officially announced. Due to security concerns in Bangladesh, the tournament has been moved to the United Arab Emirates, where it will take place between October 3 and October 20, 2024. Laura Wolvaardt, a standout batter for the team, will be taking the reins as captain for the first time at an ICC tournament. The 15-player squad selected for the World Cup will also compete in a T20I series against Pakistan from September 16 to 20. Sune Luus, who famously led the squad to the 2023 final in South Africa, continues to be a cornerstone of the team. While the core of last year's squad remains, new faces like Tumi Sekhukhune, Mieke De Ridder, and the uncapped Seshnie Naidu have joined. Among the newcomers is 18-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, making her first foray into the senior setup, and 20-year-old pacer Ayanda Hlubi, who debuted internationally last year. Both athletes gained valuable experience during the first-ever Under-19 Women's World Cup held in South Africa. Hlubi earned her spot through impressive raw pace and strong domestic form, while Naidu is regarded as one of the nation's top prospects due to her precise leg breaks. The team still relies on veterans like bowler Ayabonga Khaka, all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, and Tazmin Brits, with Nonkululeko Mlaba also expected to be a key performer. Additionally, all-rounder Nadine de Klerk has been included despite an Achilles injury; her fitness will be monitored closely. The squad is further bolstered by the consistent performances of Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon. Laura Wolvaardt's appointment as skipper comes after Sune Luus decided to step down from the captaincy to focus entirely on her own game.
Laura Wolvaardt will lead South Africa at the women's T20 World Cup 2024
Johannesburg: The Proteas Women's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup was
announced at Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) headquarters in Johannesburg on
Tuesday. Due to security concerns, the tournament is set to take place from its
original host, Bangladesh, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from October 3 to
October 20, 2024.
Proteas star batter Laura Wolvaardt is set to lead South Africa as captain for the
first time at an ICC event, with the Proteas announcing their 15-member squad
for the T20 World Cup 2024. The same squad will feature in a three-match T20I
series against Pakistan from 16-20 September.
Sune Luus, who guided the team to the 2023 T20 World Cup Final on home soil,
remains a key part of the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20
World Cup 2024. The Proteas have largely maintained the squad from the
previous year, with the addition of new players: Tumi Sekhukhune, Mieke De
Ridder, and uncapped Seshnie Naidu.
Particularly, the uncapped 18-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, who is yet to
make her debut at the international level, is joined by the 20-year-old seamer,
Ayanda Hlubi, who made her international debut last year. Both players were a
part of the squad that competed in the inaugural Under-19 Women's World Cup
held in South Africa last year. Hlubi brings raw pace, and she had a great
performance in domestic cricket before, which earned her the senior cap. Naidu
has been called one of the brightest prospects in the country, and she is known
for her sharp leg breaks.
Despite these changes, the squad has stalwarts like all-rounder Marizanne Kapp,
Tazmin Brits, and bowler Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba is expected to play
crucial roles. All-rounder Nadine de Klerk, who is recovering from an Achilles
injury, has been named in the squad, and her fitness will be closely monitored
ahead of the tournament.
The team will also benefit from the presence of versatile players like Chloe Tryon
and Sune Luus, who have been performing consistently. The experienced
campaigner Laura Wolvaardt was named the skipper of the side following
previous captain Sune Luus' decision to step down as captain to ‘focus on her
According to CSA Proteas Women's Selector Clinton du Preez, Laura Wolvaardt is expected to lead with integrity and a holistic vision, and the organization is eager to see her talents flourish in the captain's role. Du Preez mentioned via Cricbuzz that while the competition for spots was fierce and some talented players missed out, the final selections were based on current form, team balance, fitness, and specific strategic needs for the T20 format to ensure the strongest possible team. The South African squad for the Women's T20 World Cup consists of: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Mieke de Ridder, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, and Chloee Tryon.
and she leads with respect and integrity. So, we are excited to see her leadership
and playing qualities shine at the World Cup.
We've had a strong competition for squad places, and while some players will
unfortunately miss out. However, these decisions were made based on fitness,
balance, form, and strategic considerations for the format. For this important
tournament, every selection was carefully considered to ensure the best possible
squad," said CSA Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors Clinton du Preez, as
quoted by Cricbuzz.
South Africa squad for the Women's T20 World Cup: Laura Wolvaardt (captain),
Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi,
Mieke de Ridder, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus,
Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloee Tryon.