In a significant blow to South Africa’s women’s cricket team, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan due to illness. Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the news on Thursday, leaving fans and teammates concerned about the 36-year-old’s condition.
Kapp felt discomfort immediately after completing her spell in the first innings of the third T20 match against Pakistan at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Monday. Following further medical assessments, the Proteas women’s medical team decided to rest her as a precautionary measure to ensure her long-term fitness.
Stepping into Kapp’s shoes for her ODI debut is promising bowling all-rounder Faye Tunnicliffe, who plays for DP World Lions. The former South Africa Under-19 player impressed selectors during a national training camp in Tshwane last month. She was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2025 Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia.
Kapp, who debuted in ODIs back in 2009, boasts 162 caps and has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s recent international successes. Her seam bowling and handy batting have been pivotal in campaigns like the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, where the Proteas were runners-up against India and Sri Lanka. Against Pakistan in the recent T20s, she claimed 1/25 and 0/11.
This three-match ODI series forms a crucial part of the ICC Women’s Championship cycle, which determines qualification pathways for the 2029 Women’s World Cup. The action kicks off on February 22 at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, followed by the second ODI on February 25 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The series concludes on March 1 at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
South Africa’s updated ODI squad features captain Laura Wolvaardt, alongside Tazmin Brits, Faye Tunnicliffe, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Sune Luus, Karabo Moso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, and Faye Tunnicliffe.
As South Africa aims to strengthen their championship standings, Kapp’s absence will test the depth of the squad, but the inclusion of fresh talent like Tunnicliffe signals a bright future for Proteas cricket.