South Africa selects a 17-year-old player and omits the returning previous captain from their World Cup team roster

South Africa has unveiled its squad for the highly anticipated 2025 Women's World Cup, scheduled to take place from October 3 to November 10. The team, led by Laura Wolvaardt, will face some tough competition as they battle it out against England, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Australia.

Notable inclusions in the squad are senior players Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, and Ayabonga Khaka. Joining them is the young wicketkeeper, Karabo Meso, who has already played two ODIs and five T20Is for the national team. Meso, who turns 18 just ahead of the World Cup, gained experience in the U19 T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2025.

One notable absence from the squad is Dane van Niekerk, the former captain of South Africa. Her exclusion does not come as a surprise following Mandla Mashimbyi's statement on August 28, where he confirmed that van Niekerk is "definitely not part" of their World Cup plans. Van Niekerk, who announced her return from retirement on August 25, was included in the pre-World Cup training camp but ultimately did not make the final cut.

In her place, Cricket South Africa has appointed Lara Goodall and Miane Smit as the reserve players for the Women's World Cup 2025. Smit, who is the traveling reserve, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and will be eager to make her mark on the international stage.

The squad will face their first challenge against England on October 3 in Guwahati. Their subsequent matches include encounters with New Zealand (October 6 in Indore), India (October 9 in Visakhapatnam), Bangladesh (October 13 in Visakhapatnam), Sri Lanka (October 18 in Colombo), Pakistan (October 22 in Colombo), and Australia (October 25 in Indore).

While the focus is on the World Cup, South Africa's cricket fans can stay updated with live scores, match stats, quizzes, and more cricket updates by visiting our website. Additionally, stay informed about the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis, and live match odds.

The squad also includes Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Tumi Sekhukhune, who are all eager to contribute to South Africa's success in the tournament. Among the cricketers in the squad who are yet to play an ODI World Cup match are Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, and Annerie Dercksen.

As the countdown to the 2025 Women's World Cup continues, South Africa's squad is filled with excitement and determination. The team is ready to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the world. Let the games begin!

South Africa selects a 17-year-old player and omits the returning previous captain from their World Cup team roster