Marizanne Kapp is set to return to South Africa’s white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. She was previously rested during the tri-series in Sri Lanka earlier this year. This marks her return to the team since facing England in a home series last December; her last competitive play was in March at the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Having spent the past two months on a conditioning programme, Kapp is gearing up for the ODI World Cup later this year.
The South African team has also recalled seamers Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi, increasing their seam options to seven for the tour. However, leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu and batter Lara Goodall missed selection this time. Notably, Goodall isn’t part of the squad despite Anneke Bosch’s ongoing absence due to illness, which began before the Sri Lanka series.
17-year-old wicketkeeper Karabo Meso retains her place in the squad, providing South Africa with two wicketkeeping options, alongside Sinalo Jafta. The spin department is well-stocked, featuring five spinners, led by left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. The team also includes off-spinner Nondumiso Shangase and experienced all-rounders Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus. Miane Smit, a 20-year-old all-rounder who made her ODI debut in Sri Lanka, could make her T20I debut in the West Indies.
The T20I series will be Mandla Mashimbyi’s first since taking up the coaching role last December. The T20 matches, while important, serve as tune-ups, with the ODIs holding more weight ahead of the World Cup. After facing West Indies, South Africa will go on to play Pakistan in three ODIs before the World Cup in India slated for September-October.
South Africa’s recent performance includes a semi-final finish at the 2022 ODI World Cup and runner-up positions at the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups. Despite the struggles in Sri Lanka, they remain hopeful under Mashimbyi’s leadership. “Sri Lanka was tough, but we took a lot of positives out of that,” Mashimbyi shared. “It’s an exciting opportunity in the West Indies, and a fantastic chance for the players to test and refine their skills.”
The team aims to rediscover form and build momentum, with the challenges of the Caribbean tour serving as a crucial step in their World Cup preparations.
WI vs SA Fixture:
– 1st ODI: 11 June
– 2nd ODI: 14 June
– 3rd ODI: 17 June
– 1st T20I: 20 June
– 2nd T20I: 22 June
– 3rd T20I: 23 June
All matches will be held at Three Ws Oval, Barbados.
