Veteran pacer Shabnim Ismail makes a comeback to lead South Africa's charge at the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, bringing experience and bolstering the team's chances.
South African pacer Shabnim Ismail on Tuesday reversed her international retirement as she was named in the country's 15-player squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in the UK from June 12 to July 5.
Aiming to inspire the future generations of women's cricket in the country, the Proteas squad, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, features the 37-year-old Ismail, who last represented SA in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023.
She brings a wealth of experience, adding 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets to the group.
She will be joined by Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, who are back after recovering from illness and a calf injury, respectively.
Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also returns from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against India and will link up with Sinalo Jafta in that department. South Africa had outplayed India in the recent five match series.
Kayla Reyneke is set for her first senior World Cup after enjoying a breakout international season. The former SA U19 Women's captain ended the 2025/26 campaign with a batting average of 53 and five wickets in her first nine T20Is.
The remainder of the squad includes Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon. Meanwhile, the bowling attack features seamers Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune, as well as spin queen Nonkululeko Mlaba.
After reaching the last three ICC tournament finals, South Africa will begin their latest T20 World Cup campaign in Group 1 against Australia on June 13 in Manchester, before facing Pakistan, India, the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
Proteas Women head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, said: "The 4-1 series win against India gave us a lot of confidence, but there are still final touch-ups we need to make before the World Cup starts.
"Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We're also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dane and Karabo available again.
"Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it's about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances."