Meso, Ramlakan and Cowling ready for ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

The South Africa U19 Women are ready for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, with their opening match set against New Zealand on Saturday, 18 January at 08h30AM (SAST).

DP World Lions trio, Karabo Meso, Diara Ramlakan, and Fay Cowling all bring a mix of experience, determination, and raw talent to the team.

Meso, already a seasoned campaigner, was named in the Team of the Tournament in the 2023 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter has already made her mark on the global stage having made her Proteas Women debut against Sri Lanka last year.

“Playing in a World Cup is always special, and this being my second one makes it even more meaningful.

“My goal is to remain consistent, mature as a player, and improve on my performances from 2023. The team’s energy is incredible, and for many, this is their first World Cup experience,” said Meso.

Batter, Ramlakan, served as a non-traveling reserve during the 2023 World Cup and now seizes her chance in the green and gold.

Ramlakan commented on her journey and what this tournament means for her;

“It feels like a dream come true to wear the green and gold. For the first edition, I was a non-traveling reserve, so finally being part of the squad is an incredible feeling.

“My focus is on giving my best and improving in every game. We are a focused and determined team, and I cannot wait to see what we achieve together.”

Meanwhile, Cowling, a rising star from the CSA pipeline, honed her skills at the CSA National Weeks before making her mark in the Women’s Pro Series now realises her dream of playing on the world stage.

“Being part of the World Cup squad feels unreal. It’s like living in a dream, and I’m so excited to represent South Africa on this stage. My goals are to take wickets, score runs, and contribute to the team’s success,” Cowling commented.

The team enters the tournament after a rain-affected official warm-up match against India, where they suffered a six-wicket loss via the DLS method. They now set their sights on their opening encounter against New Zealand in Sarawak this Saturday.

South Africa U19 Women Squad: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January - 02 February)

Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).

Non-travelling Reserves

Lethabo Bidli (Lions), Keamogetswe Chuene (Lions), Jenna-Lee Lubbe (Lions), Jané Verhage (Titans), Sinelethu Yaso (Western Province).

Management

Dinesha Devnarain (Head Coach), Marcia Letsoalo (Team Manager), PJ Jansen (Batting Coach), Angelique Taai (Bowling Coach), Trisha Chetty (Fielding Coach), Adele van Eck (High-Performance Analyst), Dr Dhavina Naidoo (Team Doctor), Esther Bhengu (Physiotherapist), Stacey-Lee Hercules (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Terrence Adonis (Educator), Alungile Nyakambi (Media Specialist) .

SA U19 Women Fixtures: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January - 02 February)

Saturday, 18 January @ 08h30 SAST - 1st Match: New Zealand v South Africa U19 (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)

Monday, 20 January @ 08h30 SAST - 2nd Match: South Africa U19 v Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)

Wednesday, 22 January @ 08h30 SAST - 3rd Match: South Africa U19 v Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)

Saturday, 25 January - Wednesday, 29 January - Super Six Stage

Friday, 31 January @ 04h30 SAST - 1st Semifinal (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)

Friday, 31 January @ 08h30 SAST - 2nd Semifinal (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)

Sunday, 02 February @ 08h30 SAST - Final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)