Proteas Women named for 2025 World Cup after consistent run earns qualification

South Africa’s place at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is the reward for three years of steady performances.

The Proteas were among the top five ranked teams in the ICC Women’s Championship, earning direct entry to the tournament in India from September 30 to November 2. They join hosts India, Australia, England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand as automatic qualifiers.

Squad for India

Ahead of the tournament, Cricket South Africa has announced a 15-player squad, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt. She is backed by experienced campaigners Chloé Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and Suné Luus.

Explosive batter Tazmin Brits is included, alongside all-rounders Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen and Nondumiso Shangase.

The wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Sinalo Jafta and 17-year-old Karabo Meso, who is heading to her first senior World Cup. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba spearheads the spin options, with seamers Masabata Klaas and Tumi Sekhukhune also named.

Miané Smit travels as reserve, with the squad making a stopover in Pakistan for a warm-up tournament, before they get down to World Cup business.

CSA reaction

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi looked back on the incredible trip with the team up to this point.

“What a journey it has been. From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment,” Mashimbyi said. “We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that we have done our best. 

“We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud.”

Convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez explained how they arrived at the final squad.

“The make-up of the squad is underpinned by the consistent selection process that was adhered to during the recent ICC Women’s Championship cycle, while taking into account the subcontinent conditions and the different characteristics of the group required for a successful tournament of this nature,” he said.

Pakistan warm-up tour

All matches at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• Tuesday, September 16 (12.30pm): Pakistan vs South Africa
• Friday, September 19 (12.30pm): Pakistan vs South Africa
• Monday, September 22 (12.30pm): Pakistan vs South Africa

World Cup fixtures

• Friday, October 3 – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (11.30am): South Africa vs England
• Monday, October 6 – Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore (11.30am): South Africa vs New Zealand
• Thursday, October 9 – ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam (11.30am): South Africa vs India
• Monday, October 13 – ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam (11.30am): South Africa vs Bangladesh
• Friday, October 17 – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (11.30am): South Africa vs Sri Lanka
• Tuesday, October 21 – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (11.30am): South Africa vs Pakistan
• Saturday, October 25 – Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore (11.30am): South Africa vs Australia