South Africa Women Announce ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Tri-Series: Young Trio Earns Maiden Call-Ups
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled a 15-player squad for the upcoming women’s tri-series in Sri Lanka, also featuring India and the host nation. The tournament, scheduled from April 27 to May 11 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, serves as vital preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. The squad announcement is highlighted by maiden ODI call-ups for promising young talents Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, and Miane Smit.
These rising stars have already showcased their potential. Both Meso, a wicketkeeper, and Naidu, a spin-bowling allrounder, represented South Africa in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, where the team finished as runners-up. They have also earned senior T20I caps, with Naidu featuring in three matches and Meso in two. Smit, also a spin-bowling allrounder, served as a traveling reserve during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Their inclusion in the ODI squad marks a significant step in their burgeoning careers.
The squad selection reflects a strategic blend of youth and experience, aiming to develop team cohesion and provide valuable exposure to international competition for emerging players. Veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp has been rested for this series as part of a managed conditioning program designed to optimize her preparedness for future tours and the ODI World Cup. Nondumiso Shangase returns to the ODI squad after being sidelined since South Africa’s tour of India in June 2023. Meanwhile, seam bowler Ayanda Hlubi, wicketkeeper Mieke de Ridder, and opener Lara Goodall have been omitted.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed his confidence in the selected squad, highlighting the balance between seasoned players and emerging talent. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for the younger players to showcase their abilities and gain valuable experience at the international level. “It’s a very good squad,” Mashimbyi stated. “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.”
Mashimbyi further elaborated on the strategic importance of exposing younger players like Meso, Naidu, and Smit to high-level competition: “It’s not just an opportunity for them 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.” He views the tri-series as a crucial stepping stone towards the ODI World Cup, providing an opportunity to assess the team’s current standing and identify areas for improvement. “This tour is an opportunity for us to check where the team is at. It’s a work in progress… 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.”
The South African squad, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, includes a mix of established names and new faces. The team will be looking to leverage the tri-series to refine their strategies, build momentum, and solidify their preparations for the challenging year ahead.
The full squad comprises: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, and Chloe Tryon.
