Cricket South Africa has officially announced the Proteas Women’s squad for the upcoming Tri-series in Sri Lanka, where they will face both the host nation and India as part of their preparations for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.
The squad will tour without star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who has been rested for the series. In her absence, the spotlight turns to three exciting new additions: Miane Smit (middle-order batter), Seshnie Naidu (leg-spinner), and Karabo Meso (wicketkeeper-batter).
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed confidence in the squad’s composition, stating:
“It’s a very good squad. The mixture of youth and experience helps. It’s an opportunity for these girls to show what they can do. Hopefully, whatever we’ve covered at the camp can be applied in Sri Lanka when we take the field.”
He further emphasized the long-term value of giving young players international exposure:
“For me, it’s not an opportunity for Karabo, Miane, and Seshnie anymore. It’s an opportunity for us to give them exposure at this level. Going forward, and for the bigger picture, it’s important that we expose them as much as possible to international cricket.”
“This tour is an opportunity for us to check where the team is at. It’s a work in progress. We want to get to a point where, when we arrive in India in September, we are where we need to be as a team. But from a skill point of view, there’s still a bit of work to do, and that’s what we’re busy with at the moment.”
Even without Kapp, the Proteas carry a strong core of experienced players. Laura Wolvaardt will captain the side and anchor the batting line-up alongside Sune Luus, who has been in top form in domestic cricket. Wolvaardt brings momentum from her stint in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Senior players Tazmin Brits, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk return to add firepower and stability, while Ayabonga Khaka will be tasked with leading the bowling attack.
With Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, and Tumi Sekhukhune unavailable, the pace department will rely on support from Masabata Klaas, Nadine de Klerk, and Annerie Dercksen.
Spin will play a major role in the subcontinent conditions. The spin attack will be spearheaded by Nonkululeko Mlaba, supported by Naidu, Tryon, and Nondumiso Shangase. All-rounders such as Miane Smit, Sune Luus, and Anneke Bosch may also contribute with spin options.
The wicketkeeping duties will be contested between DP World Lions duo Karabo Meso and Sinalo Jafta. Meso has been selected ahead of Garden Route Badgers’ Mieke de Ridder, indicating selectors’ focus on investing in young talent.
The Tri-series is a key fixture in the lead-up to the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, which takes place in India. The conditions in Sri Lanka are expected to offer a useful preview of what the team can expect later this year.
The tournament kicks off with Sri Lanka vs. India on 27 April, with the final scheduled for 11 May 2025.
Written by Scent Senti for womenscricket.co.za.
