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The South Africa U19 women’s cricket team is ready to embark on their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. Scheduled to begin on January 18 in Malaysia, the tournament promises to showcase the brightest young talent in women’s cricket. After a commendable performance in the inaugural 2023 edition, where they reached the Super Six stage of Group 1, the proteas are keen to make a deeper impact this time.
Malaysia: A historic venue for women’s cricket
Malaysia will host its first major international cricket event since the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. This historic occasion will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups, competing across 41 matches over 16 days. Fans worldwide are eager to witness the fierce competition, with teams bringing their unique flair to the Malaysian pitches.
South Africa will face a tough challenge in Group C, alongside, New Zealand, Nigeria, and Samoa. Each of these teams will bring a competitive edge to the tournament, and the group stage promises some exciting encounters. As the South African team prepares for the competition, their goal will be to adapt to the conditions in Malaysia and build on their impressive performance from the 2023 tournament, where they finished in the Super Six of Group 1. Their preparations have been meticulous, and the team is ready to face the challenges of this international stage.
5 South African players to watch out for in the U19 T20 Women’s World Cup 2025
1. Kayla Reyneke
Kayla Reyneke, the Proteas skipper, is an all-round sensation known for her exceptional batting and bowling. Reyneke was a standout performer in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, scoring 115 runs and claiming 8 wickets in 5 matches. Her ability to lead from the front with both bat and ball makes her the backbone of South Africa’s campaign.
2. Karabo Meso
Karabo Meso’s outstanding wicket-keeping skills and batting prowess have earned her a reputation as one of the most dependable players in the team. She was included in the “Team of the Tournament” in the 2023 edition after securing 8 dismissals in 5 matches. Meso’s ability to turn matches with her sharp reflexes and game awareness will be vital for South Africa.
Also READ: 5 Indian players to watch out for in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
3. Seshnie Naidu
Seshnie Naidu, a talented leg-spinner, is known for her ability to deceive batters with her flight and spin. In the 2023 World Cup, she picked up 5 wickets in 5 matches, proving her value in the middle overs. Naidu’s knack for breaking partnerships makes her a critical asset for South Africa’s bowling lineup.
4. Jemma Botha
Jemma Botha is a reliable wicketkeeper-batter who combines agility behind the stumps with consistency in the middle order. Her quick reflexes and ability to finish games with a strong strike rate make her a dual threat. Botha’s experience and versatility will add depth to the Proteas’ batting and fielding units.
5. Nthabiseng Nini
Nthabiseng Nini is a promising right-arm medium-fast bowler who has already shown her potential with 14 wickets in 18 T20 matches. Her ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure adds an edge to South Africa’s bowling attack. Nini’s contributions with the ball will be crucial in restricting opponents on Malaysian pitches.
Also READ: 5 Australian players to watch out for in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
