Shabnim Ismail returns to Proteas squad for Women’s T20 World Cup
Cricket South Africa has confirmed the 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in England and Wales.
The tournament will run from 12 June to 5 July.
The Proteas squad, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, features the return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, as South Africa go in pursuit of their maiden world title.
The 37-year-old, who last represented the Proteas in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023, brings a wealth of experience, adding 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets to the group.
She will be joined by Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk, who are back after recovering from illness and a calf injury, respectively.
Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also returns from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against India and will link up with Sinalo Jafta in the wicketkeeping department.
Kayla Reyneke is set for her first senior World Cup after enjoying a breakout international season. The former SA U19 Women’s captain ended the 2025/26 campaign with a batting average of 53 and five wickets in her first nine T20Is.
The remainder of the squad includes Tazmin Brits, Suné Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloé Tryon. Meanwhile, the bowling attack features seamers Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune, as well as spin queen Nonkululeko Mlaba.
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After reaching the last three ICC tournament finals, South Africa will begin their latest T20 World Cup campaign in Group 1 against Australia on 13 June in Manchester, before facing Pakistan, India, the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
“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,” Proteas Women head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, said.
“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 that the selection process involved careful consideration of continuity, squad balance, and the demands of a major 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.”
