south african women The promising all-rounder has been given a chance in the ODI team for the first time Kayla Reinecke For their upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand next month. The 20-year-old’s inclusion headlines the 15-member squad, which will compete in five T20Is and three ODIs during the nearly three-week tour, with the 50-over matches part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
captain Laura Wolvaardt Will lead a team that has a mix of youth and experience as the Proteas aim to build momentum in challenging overseas conditions.
Kayla Reinecke’s rapid progress rewarded
Reineke’s selection comes after a memorable T20I debut against Pakistan earlier this month. The offspin-bowling all-rounder made an immediate impact by taking 2 for 13 from his four overs in the opening match of the series. Not content with this, he played a fearless unbeaten inning of 29 runs in just 16 balls to lead South Africa to victory in a tense situation.
His match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award and marked him as one of the brightest emerging talents in the setup. The selectors have now shown confidence in his ability to transition to the 50-over format, where his dual skills could prove vital in New Zealand’s seam-friendly conditions.
Key absences and significant returns
While Reineke is celebrating a career milestone, the team will travel without the senior all-rounder marijane kapp. Kapp fell ill during the third T20 match against Pakistan and has been out since then. She will continue her rehabilitation and is expected to begin her return-to-play protocol ahead of future tours to South Africa once her recovery is complete.
However, there is encouraging news for the Proteas with the return of experienced campaigners Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Class And den van niekerk Into the ODI squad after missing the Pakistan series. His inclusion strengthens both the bowling attack and leadership depth within the team.
The return of Van Niekerk, in particular, adds valuable experience to the middle order and provides another spin option, while the blueprint and class strengthen the pace unit that will be tested on New Zealand’s lively pitches.
The five-match T20I series will be played as a double-header with the men’s fixtures between March 15 and 25. Matches are scheduled in Mount Maunganui, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, promising strong crowds and competitive cricket. After the T20Is, the focus will turn to the three ODIs in Christchurch on March 29 and Wellington on April 1 and 4. With ICC Women’s Championship points at stake, the 50-over leg of the tour holds vital importance for the World Cup qualification standings.
South Africa women’s squad for New Zealand series: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annery Derksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinaloa Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Maso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reineke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon and Dane van Niekerk.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
