South Africa have named a blend of youth and experience for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, with 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso earning a surprise call-up. Meso has just two ODI appearances and seven senior internationals overall, but her strong performances in age-group cricket, including two Under-19 World Cups and an SA20 Schools title with Steyn City, have convinced selectors to give her a shot on the biggest stage.
She is one of two debutants alongside off-spinning allrounder Nondumiso Shangase, who was recalled earlier this year. Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, and Annerie Dercksen will also make their first ODI World Cup appearances, having previously featured only in T20 squads.
The squad will be led by star batter Laura Wolvaardt and includes stalwarts like Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, and Ayabonga Khaka, all of whom were instrumental in South Africa’s run to the semi-finals of the previous tournament. Under new head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, the team has been inconsistent, winning four of their last ten ODIs, but will hope to peak at the right time.
Notably, former captain Dane van Niekerk has once again missed out. Although she was part of the recent training camp, her international comeback remains on hold. Her omission is a reminder of South Africa’s transitional phase, as the team looks to balance loyalty to senior players with the need to build for the future. Lara Goodall, Faye Tunnicliffe, Ayanda Hlubi, Seshnie Naidu, Eliz Mari Marx, and Luyanda Ntuza were also left out, while Miané Smit will travel as a reserve.
With back-to-back T20 World Cup final appearances and two straight ODI World Cup semi-finals, expectations are high. South Africa open their campaign against England, aiming to finally take the last step and bring home a world title.
South Africa Women’s ODI World Cup Squad
Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Annerie Dercksen
Sinalo Jafta
Marizanne Kapp
Ayabonga Khaka
Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Karabo Meso
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Tumi Sekhukhune
Nondumiso Shangase
Chloé Tryon
Travelling Reserve:
Miané Smit
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