South Africa Women Aim to Break the Final Barrier: South Africa, the runners-up in last year’s T20 World Cup, have named their squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. After falling just short in recent tournaments, the Proteas Women are determined to take that final step and finally lift a major ICC trophy. The tournament will be held in the subcontinent later this year.
Laura Wolvaardt to Lead a Balanced Squad
The team will be led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt, and the selectors have gone with a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. South Africa’s strategy seems clear – keep the core strong with seasoned performers while giving fresh faces a chance to shine on the big stage.
Karabo Meso and Nondumiso Shangase Among Surprise Picks
One of the biggest surprises is the inclusion of 17-year-old Karabo Meso, a young wicketkeeper-batter who has played just two ODIs for the Proteas so far. Alongside her, Nondumiso Shangase has also been recalled and will be featuring in her very first World Cup.
Adding more freshness to the squad, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, and Annerie Dercksen – who impressed in the T20 World Cup – will now make their first-ever ODI World Cup appearances.
Experience of Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus and Chloé Tryon
The experienced trio of Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus, and Chloé Tryon will play a huge role in guiding the younger players. Their presence provides balance and much-needed stability to the team. However, one big talking point is the absence of former skipper Dane van Niekerk. Despite reversing her retirement, she was not picked in the final squad.
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Full South Africa Women’s Squad for ODI World Cup 2025
Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
Marizanne Kapp
Ayabonga Khaka
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Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Annerie Dercksen
Sinalo Jafta
Karabo Meso
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Tumi Sekhukhune
Nondumiso Shangase
Chloé Tryon
India and Sri Lanka Set to Host ODI World Cup 2025
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will run from September 30 to November 2, with India and Sri Lanka sharing hosting duties. This will be Sri Lanka’s very first time hosting a women’s tournament, while India will host for the fourth time. Australia come in as defending champions, having lifted their record-extending seventh title in the last edition.
South Africa Women to Fine-Tune with Pakistan Series
South Africa’s women’s side has enjoyed some strong runs in recent ICC events, reaching two ODI World Cup semi-finals and two back-to-back T20 World Cup finals. Inspired by the men’s team finally ending their trophy drought at the WTC Final 2025, the women will be hoping to do the same.
Head coach Hilton Moreeng Mashimbyi shared his belief in the squad:
“We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation.”
To prepare for the subcontinent conditions, South Africa Women will play a three-match ODI series in Pakistan. They’ll also feature in warm-up matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan in India and Sri Lanka before the World Cup begins.
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