Johannesburg buzzes with excitement as South Africa unveils its women’s white-ball squads for the upcoming series against Pakistan. In a thrilling inclusion, former Under-19 captain Kayla Reyneke earns her first call-up to the T20 side, marking a significant milestone in her young career.
The 20-year-old Western Province star played a pivotal role in guiding South Africa to the runners-up spot at the Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025. Her domestic prowess has clearly caught the selectors’ eyes, propelling her into the senior setup under Laura Wolvaardt’s leadership.
Wolvaardt’s T20 team blends youth and experience seamlessly. Veterans like Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Dane van Niekerk, Sune Luus, and Ayabonga Khaka form the backbone, providing stability and firepower. Returning players add further depth: wicketkeepers Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso, spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, all-rounder Annerie Dercksen, Tazmin Brits, and Ayanda Hlubi reclaim their spots after recent absences.
The Proteas assemble in Potchefstroom on February 5, gearing up for the T20 series from February 10-16. This clash serves as crucial preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. Following that, three ODIs from February 22 to March 1 kick off South Africa’s campaign in the ICC Women’s Championship cycle, vital for qualifying points toward the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup.
The ODI squad features four changes, with Lara Goodall, Faye Tunnicliffe, Nondumiso Shangase, and Tumi Sekhukhune replacing Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klas, Kayla Reyneke, and Dane van Niekerk. Full ODI lineup: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe.
T20 squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.
As South Africa eyes dominance, Reyneke’s debut symbolizes the exciting transition underway in Proteas women’s cricket, promising fierce battles ahead.
