South Africa have officially named their 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in England and Wales from 12 June to 05 July.
Laura Wolvaardt will captain the Proteas as they continue their pursuit of a first-ever ICC world title, with one of the biggest talking points being the return of experienced fast bowler Shabnim Ismail.
The 37-year-old returns to the national setup after last featuring in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in 2023. Ismail brings massive experience to the squad with 113 T20I appearances and a South African record 123 wickets in the format.
Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk are also back in the squad after recovering from illness and injury respectively, while wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso returns after missing the recent India series with a wrist injury.
Young all-rounder Kayla Reyneke earns selection for her first senior World Cup after an impressive breakthrough season. The former SA U19 captain finished the 2025/26 season with a batting average of 53 and also picked up five wickets in her first nine T20 internationals.
The Proteas will travel to England on 25 May for a preparation camp in Arundel, where they will play three training matches against Australia before the official warm-up fixtures begin.
Having reached the finals of the last three ICC tournaments, South Africa will open their Group 1 campaign against Australia in Manchester on 13 June before taking on Pakistan, India, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh.
Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said:
“We’re excited for the big show ahead, and I think the players have really put in the work over the last few months. The 4-1 series win against India gave us a lot of confidence, but there are still final touch-ups we need to make before the World Cup starts.
“Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We’re also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dané and Karabo available again.
“Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances.”
Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors Clinton du Preez added:
“The selection process for this T20 World Cup squad involved a lot of careful consideration around continuity, squad balance and the demands that come with a major global tournament.
“Keeping the core of the group together was important to us because this is a squad that has built strong experience, combinations and understanding over time. At the same time, we also looked at areas where we felt additional experience and impactful options could strengthen the team, especially in the high-pressure moments that often decide tournaments of this nature.
“These decisions are never easy, particularly when quality players miss out, but every discussion and selection was made with the best interests of the team and the goal of winning the World Cup in mind. We believe this squad has the right mix of experience, resilience and match-winning ability, and importantly, gives us the best possible opportunity to put all the pieces together and strongly challenge for the title.”
Proteas Women ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Shabnim Ismail (DP World Lions), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province).
Proteas Fixtures – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
- Saturday, 13 June at 15:30 – Old Trafford, Manchester
South Africa vs Australia
- Wednesday, 17 June at 19:30 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
South Africa vs Pakistan
- Sunday, 21 June at 15:30 – Old Trafford, Manchester
South Africa vs India
- Thursday, 25 June at 19:30 – Bristol County Ground, Bristol
South Africa vs Netherlands
- Sunday, 28 June at 11:30 – Lord’s, London
South Africa vs Bangladesh
All times are SAST.