- South Africa Women squad named for India T20I series
- Tebogo Macheke earns maiden call up
- Key preparation ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
South Africa Women will take on India Women in a five match T20 international series later this month, as the Proteas continue their build up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a key home assignment against one of the game’s strongest sides.
The contest, set to run from 17 to 27 April, marks the Proteas Women’s final international series on home soil this season. It begins under the coastal lights of Durban before moving inland to Johannesburg and concludes on Freedom Day in Benoni, offering a fitting stage for what promises to be a compelling showdown in this highly anticipated South Africa Women vs India Women T20I series.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt will once again lead the side as South Africa Women fine tune their combinations ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England this June. The selectors have largely kept faith with the group that toured New Zealand, underlining a desire for stability at a crucial time in their World Cup preparations.
New Faces and Key Returns in Proteas Women Squad
There is however a notable breakthrough story. Wicketkeeper batter Tebogo Macheke earns her first national call up, stepping into the spotlight after Karabo Meso was sidelined by injury. Macheke’s inclusion is a reward for consistent performances on the domestic and emerging circuit and adds a sense of anticipation to the South Africa Women squad.
All rounder Eliz Mari Marx also returns to the fold, offering balance and versatility in place of seamer Masabata Klaas. Elsewhere, Anneke Bosch retains her spot after stepping in impressively during the New Zealand tour, while experienced campaigner Marizanne Kapp continues her recovery and remains unavailable.
Coaching Changes Ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Off the field, change is also in motion. Cricket South Africa has confirmed a transition within the coaching group, with batting coach Baakier Abrahams, fielding coach Bongani Ndaba and strength and conditioning coach Zane Webster set to depart at the end of the season. Their contributions have coincided with one of the most successful periods in Proteas Women history, including consecutive ICC Women’s World Cup final appearances.
A new support team will guide South Africa Women through to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Tumi Masekela takes over strength and conditioning duties, while Andrew Puttick and Mduduzi Mbhatha step in as batting and fielding coaches respectively, bringing fresh ideas at a pivotal moment for the Proteas Women setup.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi acknowledged the quick turnaround but welcomed the opportunity to face India Women at home. He emphasised the importance of growth within a stable squad and expressed confidence that the new additions would inject renewed energy into the team.
Convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez highlighted the importance of continuity as the team builds towards the global showpiece, noting that squad balance and tactical flexibility remain key priorities. Meanwhile, high performance chief Enoch Nkwe paid tribute to the outgoing staff while backing the incoming coaches to maintain the team’s upward trajectory.
South Africa Women Squad Announcement: India T20I Series Fixtures
The series schedule has also been confirmed:
- 1st T20I: 17 April at 18:00 in Durban
- 2nd T20I: 19 April at 14:00 in Durban
- 3rd T20I: 22 April at 18:00 in Johannesburg
- 4th T20I: 25 April at 18:00 in Johannesburg
- 5th T20I: 27 April at 14:00 in Benoni
Final Preparations for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
With a settled core, emerging talent and renewed voices behind the scenes, South Africa Women step into this T20I series against India Women aiming not only to secure results at home but also to sharpen their edge ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
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