Major returns bolster Proteas Women's squad for New Zealand series Cricket South Africa has announced the inclusion of several key players in the women’s team for the upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand. The squad features the return of former captain Dane van Niekerk, who had previously stepped away from the sport but has now rejoined the team. Additionally, pace bowlers Masabata Klaas and Ayabonga Khaka are back in the fold, having missed the recent series against Pakistan. The 15-player squad includes Laura Wolvaardt as captain, with Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, and Chloé Tryon also named. Notably, Reyneke makes her debut in the squad, having impressed during the T20I series against Pakistan. South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, expressed pride in her team’s performance despite falling to India in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The squad will face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series starting March 15, followed by three ODIs from March 29. These matches will form part of the ICC Women’s Championship. The T20I fixtures are scheduled for March 15 in Mount Maunganui, March 17 in Hamilton, March 20 in Auckland, March 22 in Wellington, and March 25 in Christchurch. The ODIs will take place on March 29, April 1, and April 4, all in Wellington. The series will provide a crucial opportunity for the Proteas to build momentum ahead of future international competitions.#laura_wolvaardt #ayabonga_khaka #cricket_south_africa #dane_van_niekerk #masabata_klaas
