• Wolvaardt to lead Proteas Women at World Cup

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    Laura Wolvaardt will captain a 15-player Proteas Women squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup in India from 30 September to 2 November.

    The group features plenty of experience, with senior stars Chloé Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and Suné Luus all included.

    They are backed up by the firepower of Tazmin Brits, as well as all-round options in Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen and Nondumiso Shangase.

    Behind the stumps, Sinalo Jafta will link up with 17-year-old Karabo Meso, who is set for her first senior World Cup after impressing at two U19 Women’s T20 World Cups.

    Nonkululeko Mlaba will spearhead the spin attack, while seamers Masabata Klaas and Tumi Sekhukhune add variety with the ball.

    Rising all-rounder Miané Smit travels as a reserve, having filled the same role at last year’s T20 World Cup.

    South Africa open their campaign against England on 3 October, before taking on New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They wrap up the group stage against defending champions Australia on 25 October.

    As preparation, the Proteas will play three ODIs against Pakistan in Lahore from 16 to 22 September.

    Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said the squad had been years in the making.

    “From the moment I joined this team, and even before, it was all about working towards this moment,” he said. “We believe we have the squad that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it’s about carrying that belief with us every step of the way.”

    Proteas Women World Cup squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon. Travelling reserve: Miané Smit.

    Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

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    Simon Borchardt