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After a short delay, Cricket South Africa has announced its squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. South Africa have confirmed their 15-man squad, which includes two returning senior players.
This major event will be held in England and Wales in the month of June. This will be the tenth edition of the tournament. South Africa were runners-up in the last edition of this tournament in the UAE in 2024.
Shabnim Ismail and Dane van Niekerk return for T20 World Cup
As expected, batsman Laura Wolvaardt has been named the captain of the team. But the biggest topic of discussion is the return of Shabnim Ismail.
Fast bowler Ismail retired in 2023 after South Africa finished runner-up in the domestic T20 World Cup that year. Now, he has made a surprise comeback to the national team at the age of 37.
Dane van Niekerk is also returning to the team. Niekerk retired from international cricket after not being selected for the domestic T20 World Cup that year. He took out his retirement last year but was not selected for the ODI World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka. She has played nine international matches since her return.
Also read: Bangladesh government starts investigation into shocking T20 World Cup 2026 withdrawal
Shabnim Ismail in T20I and T20 World Cup
Despite retiring almost three years ago, Ismail remains South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is.
south african team
Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annery Derksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinaloa Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Maceo, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reineke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.
