The South Africa women’s national cricket team have named their 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with experienced fast bowler Shabnim Ismail making a highly anticipated return to the national setup.
The global showpiece will take place in England and Wales from 12 June to 05 July, as South Africa continue their pursuit of a maiden ICC world title after reaching the finals of their last three ICC tournaments.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead a balanced squad packed with experience and exciting young talent. Ismail returns after last featuring in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023 and brings invaluable experience with 113 T20 internationals and a South African record 123 wickets.
The Proteas have also welcomed back all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk following their recoveries from illness and injury respectively.
Young wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso returns from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against India and will share wicketkeeping duties with Sinalo Jafta.
One of the standout inclusions is rising star Kayla Reyneke, who earns her first senior World Cup call-up after an impressive international breakthrough season. The former SA U19 captain finished the 2025/26 campaign with a batting average of 53 alongside five wickets in her opening nine T20 internationals.
The squad also includes Tazmin Brits, Suné Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk and Chloé Tryon, while the bowling attack will feature seamers Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune alongside spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the squad is heading into the tournament with confidence following their recent 4-1 T20I series victory against India.
We’re excited for the big show ahead,Mashimbyi said.
Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different.
South Africa will depart for England on 25 May for a preparation camp in Arundel before taking on Australia in three training matches ahead of the tournament.
The Proteas open their Group 1 campaign against defending champions Australia women’s national cricket team at Old Trafford in Manchester on 13 June before clashes against Pakistan women’s national cricket team, India women’s national cricket team, Netherlands women’s national cricket team and Bangladesh women’s national cricket team.
Images: Proteas Women Cricket SA