Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Shabnim Ismail returns after three years to make Proteas squad
The South African Women’s National Selection Panel has on Tuesday confirmed the 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in England and Wales starting June 12.
The Proteas squad, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, features the return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, as South Africa goes in pursuit of its maiden world title. The 37-year-old, who last represented the Proteas in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023, brings a wealth of experience, adding 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets to the group.
She will be joined by Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk, who are back after recovering from illness and a calf injury, respectively. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also returns from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against India and will link up with Sinalo Jafta in the wicketkeeping department.
Kayla Reyneke is set for her first senior World Cup after enjoying a breakout international season. The former SA U19 Women’s captain ended the 2025/26 campaign with a batting average of 53 and five wickets in her first nine T20Is.
The Proteas will get their journey underway when they depart for England on May 25 for a camp in Arundel, where they will face Australia in three training matches from May 31 and June 4, before turning their attention to the official World Cup warm-up fixtures.
South Africa will begin its T20 World Cup campaign in Group 1 against Australia on June 13 in Manchester, before facing Pakistan, India, the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
Proteas women head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, said: “We’re excited for the big show ahead, and I think the players have really put in the work over the last few months. The 4-1 series win against India gave us a lot of confidence, but there are still final touch-ups we need to make before the World Cup starts. 1
Proteas’ ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dané van Niekerk
Published on May 12, 2026
