Teenage leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu has been called up to the Proteas Women's squad for the tour to Sri Lanka. Picture: ICC
Image: ICC
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled the Proteas Women squad ready to face hosts Sri Lanka and India in an eagerly anticipated One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series from 27 April to 11 May, all set within the iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
the announcement comes with a blend of excitement and youth, signalling the Proteas' commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent.
In a bold selection move, three rising stars from the SA U19 team have received their first-ever ODI call-ups. Karabo Meso and Seshnie Naidu, who shone in this year’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, are joined by uncapped all-rounder Miané Smit, who served as a travelling reserve during the previous ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
This represents an opportunity not only for these young athletes to showcase their capabilities but also for the national side to explore new depths of talent.
Returning to the squad Dolphins’ Nondumiso Shangase, making her first appearance in the ODI setup since the Proteas Women’s tour of India last June.
These exciting inclusions come as seasoned players Ayanda Hlubi, Mieke de Ridder, and Lara Goodall step down from the selection, while experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp continues her conditioning programme in advance of future tours and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.
Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi expressed enthusiasm about the newly selected squad, highlighting the combination of youth and experience as crucial to the team's dynamic.
“It's a very good squad. The mixture of youth and experience helps. It's an opportunity for these girls to show what they can do,” he said. “Hopefully, whatever we've covered at the camp can be applied in Sri Lanka when we take the field.”
Emphasising the importance of international exposure, Mashimbyi continued: “For me, it's not an opportunity for Karabo, Miané and Seshnie anymore. It's about giving them exposure at this level.” He acknowledged the work that remains to elevate the team's performance in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in September, stating that this tour is a vital progression in their developmental journey.
Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez, underlined the strategic considerations behind the squad selection, noting:
“We’ve taken a measured approach, bearing in mind the conditions we’ll be playing in and the nature of our opposition. The balance in our attack with four seamers and five to six spin options reflects our assessment of the surfaces, crucial for success.”
"The upcoming ODI series is not merely a chance for some players to shine but is pivotal in building depth within the squad while ensuring clarity in each player's responsibilities as they move closer to their collective goals for the World Cup."
Full Proteas Women's squad to Sri Lanka:
Laura Wolvaardt (Titans, captain), Anneke Bosch (Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Masabata Klaas (Titans), Suné Luus (Titans), *Karabo Meso (Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), *Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (Lions)