Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: South Africa women’s national cricket team have announced their squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, and the biggest surprise is the return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail.The experienced pacer had earlier retired from international cricket but has now decided to return for the tournament in England and Wales. Ismail, one of South Africa’s greatest fast bowlers, has taken 123 wickets in T20 internationals and brings major experience to the squad.
The 37-year-old last played during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup, where South Africa reached the final but lost to Australia.Star batter Laura Wolvaardt will captain South Africa for the second straight T20 World Cup. The team will once again aim to win their first ICC title after finishing runners-up in the previous two editions.Wolvaardt will lead a strong batting unit featuring Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus and former captain Dane van Niekerk.All-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Annerie Dercksen are also part of the squad, while young player Kayla Reyneke has earned her first senior ICC tournament selection.South Africa’s bowling attack looks strong with Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka and spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba expected to play key roles.The Proteas will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia women’s national cricket team on June 13 in Manchester.South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Nierkerk.
