Seniors missing in Wolvaardt’s new-look South African squad for historic Zimbabwe T20I tour

South Africa has named a 15-player women’s squad for its first-ever T20I tour of Zimbabwe, making ten changes from the side that played at the Women’s T20 World Cup in England.

Only captain Laura Wolvaardt, allrounders Annerie Dercksen and Kayla Reyneke and wicketkeepers Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso carry over from the World Cup squad into this one which will feature three uncapped players —fast bowlers Caitlin Wyngaard and Nthabiseng Nini, and off-spinner Luyanda Nzuza.

The five-match series will be played between September 11 and 19 in Bulawayo.

Wolvaardt, who will lead a notably young squad, opted against resting for the tour despite being given the option. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said the selectors wanted to see a “different side” of her leadership as she drives a younger group.

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Several senior names have been rested rather than dropped, including Shabnim Ismail, Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nadine de Klerk, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Nonkululekho Mlaba. Mashimbyi confirmed all T20 World Cup players remain in the selection pool, with discussions ongoing about van Niekerk’s availability.

Bosch’s recall adds experience to the young squad, as does the inclusion of Faye Tunnicliffe alongside allrounders Miane Smit and Eliz-Mari Marx, offspinner Nondumiso Shanmgase, leggie Seshnie Naidu and seamer Ayanda Hlubi.

The tour will provide valuable prepraration for an outfit eager to prove itself in the run-up to the 2027 Champions Trophy in February next year. South Africa has nearly eight T20Is scheduled until then, including an India series in December.

It also marks South Africa women’s first T20I visit to an African neighbour, as relations between Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket deepen ahead of the men’s 2027 ODI World Cup it will co-host with Namibia.

Zimbabwe, still a developing women’s side, has not won a T20I in 2026 and have lost series to the UAE, New Zealand and Pakistan this year.

Published on Aug 19, 2026