South Africa women squad announced [Source: AFP]On Thursday, South African women officially announced their squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Pakistan. Notably, this limited-overs tour will take place from 10 February to 1 March and is an important phase in the team’s international schedule. Laura Wolvaardt set to lead South AfricaLaura Wolvaardt will continue as captain of the Proteas Women. The ICC’s number one ranked ODI batter has been in outstanding form recently. She scored two centuries in the ODI series against Ireland and also smashed her second T20I century against the same team. Therefore, her leadership and consistency will be crucial as South Africa looks to build momentum ahead of major tournaments.T20 series focused on World Cup 2026 preparationThe three-match T20I series against Pakistan is particularly important because it serves as preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England. As part of this forward planning, the selection panel has included 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke, the former South Africa Under-19 Women’s captain.In addition, the T20I squad features several experienced and in-form players. These include all-rounders Chloé Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, and seasoned campaigners such as Dané van Niekerk, Suné Luus, Ayabonga Khaka, and Masabata Klaas. Many of these players recently impressed in the Women’s Premier League in India. Furthermore, wicketkeeper-batters Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso, spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, and all-rounder Annerie Dercksen add depth to the squad. Tazmin Brits and Ayanda Hlubi also return after missing the Ireland series.Meanwhile, the ODI series against Pakistan marks the beginning of South Africa’s new ICC Women’s Championship cycle. This competition is vital as it acts as the qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2029. For the 50-over format, the squad will see four changes compared to the T20I group. Top-order batters Lara Goodall and Faye Tunnicliffe, all-rounder Nondumiso Shangase, and fast bowler Tumi Sekhukhune have been included. They replace Khaka, Klaas, Reyneke, and van Niekerk.Busy schedule ahead for the Proteas WomenThe team will gather in Potchefstroom on 5 February to prepare for the T20I matches, which will be played from 10 to 16 February. After that, attention will shift to the ODI series on 22 and 25 February, followed by the special Black Day ODI on 1 March in Durban.Meanwhile, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed confidence in the squad, stating that the team is well-prepared for a demanding period ahead, with tours to New Zealand and India still to come.It is important to note that the Women’s T20 WC is scheduled from 12 June to 5 July 2026 in England.South Africa Women’s T20 Squad vs Pakistan: Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, *Kayla Reyneke, Chloé Tryon and Dané van NiekerkSouth Africa Women’s ODI Squad vs Pakistan: Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon and Faye Tunnicliffe
