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Wolvaardt to lead Proteas Women at T20 World Cup, Naidu earns call-up

football04 September 2024 05:07| © Cricket SA
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Laura Wolvaardt © Gallo Images

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday announced the 15-player squad for the Proteas Women’s T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead the team in a World Cup for the first time, supported by experienced players Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, and Chloé Tryon, alongside talents like Tazmin Brits, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune and Nadine de Klerk, who is expected to recover from her Achilles injury.

Uncapped Hollywoodbets Dolphins legspinner Seshnie Naidu has earned her first national team call-up after impressive performances for the SA U19 Women and the SA Emerging side over the past two years.

The 18-year-old will be joined by fellow youngsters Ayanda Hlubi and Annerie Dercksen.

The 15-player squad will also include a travelling reserve, former SA U19 Women allrounder Miané Smit.

The Proteas Women will face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series from 16-20 September in Multan before heading to the UAE for the ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

South Africa have been placed in Group B alongside England, Scotland, Bangladesh, and the 2016 champions, West Indies.

The 2023 finalists will begin their campaign against the Windies on Friday, 4 October, followed by a rematch of last year’s semifinal against England three days later.

The Proteas will complete their round-robin stage with matches against Scotland on 9 October and Bangladesh on 12 October.

The semifinals are scheduled for 17 and 18 October, with the final set to take place on Sunday, 20 October, at the Dubai International Stadium.

'STRONG COMPETITION FOR PLACES'

Interim head coach Dillon du Preez’s team will have a final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations with two warm-up matches, facing New Zealand on 29 September and India on 1 October at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.

CSA Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez commented: “While playing in the UAE presents some unknowns, we have conducted thorough research and selected a balanced squad that complements the conditions, with strategic options in mind as we head into the T20 World Cup.

"Laura (Wolvaardt) has been exceptional as a leader, bringing a holistic approach to the team. She leads with respect and integrity, and we are excited to see her leadership and playing qualities shine at the World Cup. Seshnie Naidu has shown significant growth as a bowler within our camps, and we see her as an X-factor for the World Cup. She brings a unique element to our bowling attack, offering something different that could be pivotal.

“We've had strong competition for places, and while some players will unfortunately miss out, these decisions were made based on balance, form, fitness, and strategic considerations for the format. Every selection was carefully considered to ensure the best possible squad for this important tournament."

CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe said: “We are incredibly proud of the group of players and management who will be representing South Africa at the Women’s T20 World Cup. This team has shown remarkable resilience and skill and we have no doubt that they will compete with the same spirit and determination on the world stage.

“As they set out to bring the ultimate prize home, they should know that the entire nation stands firmly behind them, supporting and cheering them on every step of the way. We believe in their ability to make South Africa proud, and we wish them all the best as they embark on this exciting journey.”

PROTEAS WOMEN T20 WORLD CUP SQUAD (United Arab Emirates):

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu* (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

TRAVELLING RESERVE

Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State)

MANAGEMENT:

Dillon du Preez (Interim Head Coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (Team Manager), Baakier Abrahams (Batting Coach), Bongani Ndaba (Fielding Coach), Paul Adams (Spin Lead) Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst), Zane Webster (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Neline Hoffman-Kellerman (Physiotherapist), Dr Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor), Happiness Mesi (Massage Therapist / Logistics), Lita Gqirana (Media Specialist), Zahid Shaik (Close Protection Officer)

FIXTURES

Proteas Women’s Outbound T20I Series against Pakistan (16 - 20 September) 

Monday, 16 September @ 16h00 SAST: 1st T20I - Pakistan v South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)

Wednesday, 18 September @ 16h00 SAST: 2nd T20I - Pakistan v South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)

Friday, 20 September @ 07h00 SAST: 3rd T20I - Pakistan v South Africa (Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan)

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (3-20 October) 

Sunday, 29 September @ 16h00 SAST: 1st Warm-up T20I: South Africa v New Zealand (ICC Academy, Dubai)

Tuesday, 01 October @ 16h00 SAST: 2nd Warm-up T20I: South Africa v India (ICC Academy, Dubai)

Friday, 04 October @ 12h00 SAST: 1st Match: South Africa v West Indies (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

Monday, 07 October @ 16h00 SAST: 2nd Match: England v South Africa (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)

Wednesday, 09 October @ 12h00 SAST: 3rd Match: South Africa v Scotland (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

Saturday, 12 October @ 16h00 SAST: 4th Match: Bangladesh v South Africa (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

Thursday, 17 October @ 16h00 SAST: Semifinal 1 (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

Friday, 18 October @ 16h00 SAST: Semifinal 2 (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)

Sunday, 20 October @ 16h00 SAST: Final (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

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