Veteran South Africa pace bowler Shabnim Ismail has been named in the country’s 15-woman squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be staged in England and Wales. The 37-year-old returns to the international fold almost three years after retiring, bringing with her a wealth of experience measured by 113 T20I appearances and a career tally of 123 wickets. Alongside Ismail’s comeback, South Africa have also reinstated Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk after injury interruptions, while wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has been cleared following a wrist issue that kept her out of the recent India series.
South Africa’s 15-player squad
- Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
- 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 Niekerk
Key returns and the new face
- Shabnim Ismail comes back after nearly three years away from international cricket, adding 113 T20I caps and 123 wickets to the group.
- Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk return to availability following injury layoffs.
- Karabo Meso has recovered from the wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent India series.
- Kayla Reyneke receives her first senior Women’s T20 World Cup call-up after an impressive international season, where she averaged 53 with the bat and took five wickets in her opening nine T20Is.
What the leadership said
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, pointing to the work done in the preceding months. He noted that the 4-1 series win versus India provided strong momentum, while also stressing that South Africa still need to complete some final adjustments before the World Cup begins.
Mashimbyi also highlighted Ismail’s value to the squad, saying that conversations with the fast bowler made it clear she still has a strong appetite to represent South Africa and help the team achieve something special. He added that the return of Marizanne, Dane and Karabo boosts the team’s options as they prepare for the demands of a global event.
On tournament approach, Mashimbyi said every team goes to a World Cup aiming to win, but South Africa’s focus would be on enjoying the process, moving match by match, and continuing to sharpen their game as the competition progresses.
Clinton du Preez, Convenor of Selectors, said the squad-building process required careful thought around continuity, overall balance, and the specific pressures that come with a major international tournament. He explained that keeping the core together was important because the group has developed strong experience, combinations, and understanding over time.
At the same time, du Preez said the selectors also looked for areas where additional experience and impactful options could strengthen the side—particularly during the high-pressure periods that often decide Women’s T20 World Cup contests. He acknowledged that selection decisions are never easy, especially when deserving players miss out, but insisted every choice was made with the team’s best interests and the goal of winning the title in mind. He concluded that the final mix offers the right blend of experience, resilience, and match-winning ability, giving South Africa the best chance to assemble all the pieces and strongly contend for the championship.
Group stage, travel plans and warm-up schedule
South Africa, who have reached the finals of the last three ICC tournaments, will start their campaign against Australia at Manchester on June 13. Their group includes Australia, Pakistan, India, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh.
- Travel to the United Kingdom: May 25
- Preparatory camp location: Arundel
- Training matches vs Australia: three games scheduled between May 31 and June 4
- Official Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up matches: to follow after the training games
