New-look Proteas Women ready to make history in Zimbabwe

A youthful Proteas Women side is preparing to make history as they travel to Zimbabwe for the maiden T20 International (T20I) series between the two neighbouring nations from 11-19 September in Bulawayo.

The five-match T20I series will take place at the Queen’s Sports Club, with matches scheduled for 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 September.

All five encounters will get underway at 1:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure following a pre-tour training camp in Tshwane, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed her excitement at the opportunity to face fellow African opposition for the first time at senior international level, adding further significance to the historic tour.

“It’s very special for us. I think for as long as I’ve played, we haven’t played against another African team.

“It’s pretty cool that we get to play some cricket against our neighbours. So I’m very excited to head over there,” Wolvaardt said.

Touchdown in Bulawayo! 🛬#TheProteas Women have landed in Zimbabwe and the tour is officially underway! 👊🏽🇿🇦

Let’s get to work. 😎#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/hjJZ46ISum
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) September 7, 2026

Wolvaardt will lead a new-look Proteas squad for the tour, with Annerie Dercksen, Karabo Meso and Kayla Reyneke the only other players in the touring group to have featured in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.

The squad includes seven other previously capped players, including batters Anneke Bosch, Miané Smit and Faye Tunnicliffe, as well as Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx and Nondumiso Shangase, who will bolster the team’s bowling and all-round options.

The touring group also welcomes four uncapped youngsters: Fidelity Titans duo Caitlin Wyngaard and Luyanda Nzuza, former SA U19 Women and Warriors seamer Nthabiseng Nini, along with Western Province Cobras wicketkeeper-batter Jae-Leigh Filander, who received a late call-up following Sinalo Jafta’s hamstring injury.

A CHANCE FOR YOUNGSTER TO STAKE THEIR CLAIM

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the upcoming series provides an ideal opportunity to assess the next generation of players as the team continues building towards its long-term objectives leading up to the end of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup cycle in 2029.

“The purpose is quite simple. It’s an opportunity for players to test their skills. An opportunity to give opportunities to the young players. And also for us to see where we are going forward in terms of the future of South African cricket,” Mashimbyi commented.

With several nationally contracted players representing teams in domestic and franchise competitions around the world, the Zimbabwe T20I series presents an opportunity for those involved to stake their claim for future selection, something Mashimbyi is particularly looking forward to.

“A couple of youngsters putting their hands up. Just to put a bit of pressure on the usual players that we take on tour on a normal basis. When you’ve got players that are putting their hands up and actually pushing the other players that we’ve always had in our squad, it’s good for cricket as a whole in South Africa.

“So for me, the positive thing will be seeing these youngsters actually do well. And also seeing Laura lead the team,” Mashimbyi added.

For Wolvaardt, the youthful make-up of the squad has already brought a different energy to the Proteas environment, with the captain looking forward to seeing the players transfer what they have shown in camp onto the international stage.

“It’s going to be awesome to see those youngsters just express themselves and play free cricket against a new opposition.

“Lots of talent here in the net. I’m keen to see how they all go in the games,” Wolvaardt concluded.

PROTEAS WOMEN'S T20I SQUAD AGAINST ZIMBABWE

Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), *Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province Cobras), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Nthabiseng Nini (Warriors), *Luyanda Nzuza (Fidelity Titans), Kayla Reyneke (Western Province Cobras), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans), Faye Tunnicliffe (Western Province Cobras) and *Caitlin Wyngaard (Fidelity Titans)

*Uncapped

FIXTURES

Friday, 11 September - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo