South Africa have left out former captain Dane van Niekerk from their squad for the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
No place for van Niekerk
Van Niekerk had retired in 2023, but on August 25, 2025, she announced that she would revoke her retirement. On the same day, Cricket South Africa included her in their pre-World Cup training camp.
On August 28, however, South Africa coach Mandla Mashimbyi had made it clear that she was “definitely not part” of their World Cup plans, and will be considered only once she “ticks all the boxes”. Her exclusion from the squad, thus, does not come as a surprise.
Teenager Meso among five World Cup debutants
On the other hand, South Africa have included wicketkeeper Karabo Meso, who played in the U19 T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2025, and will turn 18 just ahead of the World Cup. Meso has played two ODIs and five T20Is so far.
Meso is one of five cricketers in the squad who are yet to play an ODI World Cup match: the others are Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, and Annerie Dercksen.
While there is no van Niekerk, the squad is replete with seniors like captain Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, and Ayabonga Khaka, while Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Tumi Sekhukhune also made the cut. Off-spin-bowling all-rounder Miane Smit will be the only traveling reserve.
South Africa squad for 2025 Women’s World Cup
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Masabata Klaas, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon. Travelling reserve: Miane Smit
South Africa schedule for 2025 Women’s World Cup
October 3, Guwahati, v England
October 6, Indore, v New Zealand
October 9, Visakhapatnam, v India
October 13, Visakhapatnam, v Bangladesh
October 18, Colombo, v Sri Lanka
October 22, Colombo, v Pakistan
October 25, Indore, v Australia
