Follow UsOn expected lines, former skipper Dane van Niekerk misses out on the 15-member South Africa squad for the Women's ODI World Cup, slated to begin later this month. She was hoping to get the nod after reversing her decision to retire, but a few days later, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi made it clear that she would not be part of the squad, despite being part of the 20-member camp.
However, South Africa have named a strong squad, led by Laura Wolvaardt, who has experienced players like Chloe Tyron, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus and Ayabonga Khaka at her disposal. Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso are the wicketkeeping options. In fact, Meso will be playing her first senior World Cup after having already played in a couple of Women's Under-19 World Cups.
Miané Smit is the only travelling reserve for the tournament. She was also in the reserves for the Women's T20 World Cup 2022.
"From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said.
"We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that we have done our best. We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud.
"I am happy for all the players and management who will be getting on that plane to India, but I am even more excited to see what they can achieve together as a group. We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation."
The squad will travel to Pakistan first to play three ODIs against the hosts before beginning their World Cup campaign against England on October 3 in Guwahati.