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[Saba Sports News] South Africa has included 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu in their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. Naidu, yet to make her international debut, is joined by 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi, who debuted last year.
Both players were part of the squad that competed in the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Cup in South Africa last year.
Naidu, praised for her sharp leg breaks, is considered one of the country’s brightest prospects, while Hlubi’s raw pace earned her a senior cap after strong domestic performances. Experienced Laura Wolvaardt will lead the team in the tournament.
The core of the team remains from the squad that reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, with a few notable changes. Lara Goodall, Masabata Klaas, and Delmi Tucker have been omitted, while legendary fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has retired from international cricket.
Despite these changes, the squad is rich in experience, with key players like Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, and Ayabonga Khaka expected to play crucial roles. Allrounder Nadine de Klerk, recovering from an Achilles injury, has also been named in the squad, with her fitness being monitored ahead of the tournament.
Versatile players like Suné Luus and Chloé Tryon, who have been consistently performing, will further strengthen the team. The Proteas will play three preparatory matches in Pakistan before heading to the UAE. The team’s last competitive series was against India in July. South Africa is placed in Group B alongside West Indies, England, Scotland, and Bangladesh.
South Africa squad for T20 World Cup:
Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon Travelling Reserve: Miané Smit