Cricket South Africa has unveiled a dynamic 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, featuring hosts Sri Lanka and India. Scheduled from April 27 to May 11, 2025, at Colombo’s R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, this series serves as a crucial preparatory platform ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year in India.
Youthful energy meets seasoned experience in the announced South Africa squad
The squad saw the inclusion of three promising talents: wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso, spinner Seshnie Naidu, and all-rounder Miané Smit. Meso and Naidu, both standout performers in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, are set to make their senior team debuts. Smit, previously a traveling reserve during last year’s T20 World Cup, earned her first official call-up. Additionally, Nondumiso Shangase returns to the national setup after her last appearance in June 2024 during the tour to India.
These newcomers replace Ayanda Hlubi, Mieke de Ridder, and Lara Goodall. Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp will miss the series to focus on her conditioning ahead of the World Cup. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi emphasized the importance of exposing young players to international cricket, stating, “It’s an opportunity for us to give them exposure at this level. Going forward and for the bigger picture, it’s important that we expose them as much as possible to international cricket.”
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Strategic preparations for subcontinental challenges
The tri-series offers the Proteas Women a valuable opportunity to acclimate to subcontinental conditions similar to those expected in India during the World Cup. Coach Mashimbyi highlighted the significance of this exposure, noting, “When you look at India and Sri Lanka in their own conditions, you would rather play those teams there so you can understand what is needed for you to succeed in those types of conditions.”
The series format involves each team playing the others twice, culminating in a final between the top two teams on May 11. All matches are scheduled as day games at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
South Africa squad for the ODI tri series against India and Sri Lanka
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, and Chloé Tryon.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
