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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially announced the national under-19 women’s squad for the upcoming ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, which will be hosted by Malaysia. This announcement marks a significant moment for young South African cricketers as they prepare to represent their country on the global stage, aiming to make a mark in the second edition of this prestigious tournament.
Leading the charge will be Kayla Reyneke, who has been named captain for the event. The squad includes a mix of fresh talents and seasoned players from the domestic circuit, showcasing the depth of women’s cricket in South Africa.
Preparation and expectations
The team has been in rigorous preparation, playing in the CSA Women’s Super League and a series against India, which served as a crucial buildup to the World Cup. Head coach Dinesha Devnarain has emphasized the importance of this series, viewing it as a vital opportunity for the team to test their skills and strategies ahead of the global competition. The squad’s composition reflects a balance between batting, bowling, and all-round capabilities, aiming to tackle the diverse challenges that international cricket presents.
Key players to watch
Several players stand out in this squad, with Reyneke’s leadership and performance being central to the team’s strategy. Jemma Botha and Fay Cowling are expected to provide stability in the batting lineup, while the bowling department will rely on the likes of Jae-Leigh Filander and Mona-Lisa Legodi to break partnerships and control the game’s pace. Simoné Lourens, known for her all-round abilities, could be the dark horse of the tournament, offering flexibility in team composition.
Also READ: Ireland announces squad for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
Tournament outlook
The U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will see South Africa grouped with New Zealand, Nigeria, and Samoa, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The team’s performance in the group stages will be crucial in setting the tone for their campaign, with eyes on securing a spot in the knock-out stages. The tournament not only offers a platform for showcasing talent but also for gaining invaluable experience against international peers.
South Africa squad for Women’s T20 World Cup
Kayla Reyneke (captain), Jemma Botha, Fay Cowling, Jae-Leigh Filander, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Simoné Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Diara Ramlakan, Diedré van Rensburg, Mieke van Voorst, Ashleigh van Wyk, Chanel Venter
Non-travelling reserves: Lethabo Bidli, Keamogetswe Chuene, Jenna-Lee Lubbe, Jané Verhage and Sinelethu Yaso
Also READ: 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray earns spot as Australia announces U19 squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.