South Africa announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, May 12. As reported earlier, the veteran pacer Shabnim Ismail returned from her international retirement to be part of the ninth edition of the tournament starting June 12 in England.

Ismail, 37, retired from T20I cricket in February 2023 after the team's loss in the T20 World Cup final. However, the right-arm pacer remains a regular performer in various T20 franchise cricket leagues, and her return significantly boosts the Proteas Women's squad.

Laura Wolvaard will lead the 15-member squad, with star players Mairzanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk. Dane van Niekerk, a former captain who reversed her international retirement in August last year, is also included in the South Africa women's squad.

Karabo Meso, the 18-year-old wicketkeeper, is also set for her maiden World Cup and is expected to be a backup to veteran Sinalo Jafta. Batting all-rounder Kayla Reyneke is also included after a breakout international campaign earlier this year. The 20-year-old boasts a 50-plus batting average after nine T20Is and could play a key role in the Proteas' bid for the title in England.

Meanwhile, the experienced all-rounder Anneke Bosch was left out of South Africa women's squad after her poor performances against India last month. The 32-year-old played

South Africa women's squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon and Dane van Niekerk

South Africa women face tough challenge at T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa women finished as runners-up in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup and are once again facing a tough challenge.

Laura Wolvaardt's side is drafted into Group 2, where they face the six-time champions Australia and the ODI World Cup 2025 winners India. The group also features Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the newcomers, the Netherlands.

  • South Africa vs Australia - Saturday, 13 June at 15:30 – Old Trafford, Manchester
  • South Africa vs Pakistan - Wednesday, 17 June at 19:30 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
  • South Africa vs India - Sunday, 21 June at 15:30 – Old Trafford, Manchester
  • South Africa vs Netherlands - Thursday, 25 June at 19:30 – Bristol County Ground, Bristol
  • South Africa vs Bangladesh - Sunday, 28 June at 11:30 – Lord’s, London

Also read: BCCI announces India’s squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026; uncapped Nandani Sharma included