The South African Women’s Selection Panel has announced the Proteas Women squad that is set to embark on an outbound T20 International (T20I) and one-day international (ODI) tour to New Zealand from 15 March to 4 April.
Captained by Laura Wolvaardt, the 15-player group includes a maiden ODI call-up for World Sports Betting Western Province all-rounder Kayla Reyneke, who impressed in the T20I series against Pakistan earlier this month.
There is a welcome return to the 50-over squad for seamers Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions) and Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), as well as all-rounder Dané van Niekerk (Western Province), who all missed the ongoing series against Pakistan.
Marizanne Kapp will remain in South Africa to continue her rehabilitation after falling ill during the third T20I against Pakistan, before beginning her return-to-play protocol ahead of the Proteas Women's upcoming tours.
The Proteas will take on the White Ferns in five T20Is between 15 and 25 March as part of a festival of double-headers with the Proteas men and the Black Caps across five venues in Mount Maunganui, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The ODI series will form part of the ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) 2026-29 qualification cycle for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2029.
'UNIQUE CHALLENGES'
Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi commented: “We are building nicely as a group, and the focus remains on continuing to win matches of cricket while refining the areas that will be crucial for us heading into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June. Every series from here on plays an important role in our preparation and growth as a unit.
“Touring New Zealand always presents unique challenges. The conditions require adaptability, especially when playing across multiple venues where the surfaces and weather can differ. We must adjust quickly, apply ourselves and maintain the standards we have set as a team.
“This tour gives us another valuable opportunity to test our combinations, deepen our squad and continue evolving our brand of cricket against quality opposition.”
Proteas Women’s Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez, said: “This is an exciting and well-balanced squad that combines experience with emerging talent. The return of Masabata and Ayabonga adds valuable firepower and experience to our bowling attack, particularly in the ODI format.
“Kayla’s maiden ODI call-up is thoroughly deserved following her performances in the recent T20Is. She has shown composure and skill at international level, and we believe she is a player for the future who can grow into an important role within the squad,”
Proteas Women Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans) (Captain), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
*Uncapped in ODI
Fixtures - Proteas Women’s Outbound Tour to New Zealand 2025/26
T20I Series
Sunday, 15 March at 3:45am - 1st T20I: New Zealand v South Africa (Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui)
Tuesday, 17 March at 3:45am - 2nd T20I: New Zealand v South Africa (Seddon Park, Hamilton)
Friday, 20 March at 3:45am - 3rd T20I: New Zealand v South Africa (Eden Park, Auckland)
Sunday, 22 March at 3:45am - 4th T20I: New Zealand v South Africa (Sky Stadium, Wellington)
Wednesday, 25 March at 3:45am - 5th T20I: New Zealand v South Africa (Hagley Oval, Christchurch)
ICC Women’s Championship ODI Series
Sunday, 29 March at 3am - 1st IWC ODI: New Zealand v South Africa (Hagley Oval, Christchurch)
Wednesday, 01 March at 12am - 2nd IWC ODI: New Zealand v South Africa (Basin Reserve, Wellington)
Saturday, 04 March at 12am - 3rd IWC ODI: New Zealand v South Africa (Basin Reserve, Wellington)
**All times are SAST