Veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has withdrawn her retirement and has been named in South Africa's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The 37-year-old took a break from international cricket in 2023 but has been included in the Proteas squad for the global tournament and is set to reunite with long-time pace partner Marizanne Kapp, who herself has returned to the team after recovering from illness.
On the other hand, former captain Dane Van Niekerk also retains his place after withdrawing his retirement last year and playing in nine international matches since then. Laura Wolvaardt, on the other hand, will lead the team, which also includes a number of experienced names including Tazmin Britts, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka.
South Africa have also rewarded rising talent Kayla Reineke by naming her in her first senior World Cup squad. The explosive batsman had previously captained the national under-19 team in the final in 2025. Keeper-batsman Carabo Maceo is also back after recovering from a wrist injury and joins Reineke in the squad.
Mashimbi welcomes back Shabnim
Head coach Mandla Mashimbi welcomed the return of several experienced players, particularly Ismail, whose pace and experience is expected to strengthen South Africa's bowling attack.
Mashimbi said, “Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had a good chat and you can see that he still has the hunger to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We are also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dene and Carabo available again.”
Meanwhile, even though Ismail retired from international cricket, she remained active in franchise competitions around the world, including the Women's Premier League, Women's Big Bash League and The Hundred. She is considered one of the fastest bowlers in the women's game.
South Africa Women's T20 World Cup squad
Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Britts, Nadine de Klerk, Annery Derksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Maceo (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reineke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon and Dane van Niekerk.
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