South Africa have named veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail in their 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with the 37-year-old rescinding her international retirement ahead of the marquee tournament in England and Wales.
One of the most feared pacers in women’s cricket, Ismail retired from international cricket in 2023 but has now made itself available for the World Cup as the Proteas attempt to end years of near misses on the global stage. South Africa finished as runners-up in the last two editions of the tournament, including the 2023 final at home, where they lost to Australia.
The experienced speedster remains South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is. She has taken 123 wickets in 113 T20Is and is expected to add pace to an attack that already includes Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka.
Laura Wolvaardt will captain the team for the second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup. The opener, currently third in the ICC Women’s T20I batsmen’s rankings, leads an established core that also includes Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and former captain Dane van Niekerk.
Kapp returns after recovering from illness, while van Niekerk continues her comeback after reversing her own retirement last year. After recovering from a wrist injury, goalkeeper batsman Karabo Meso was also included.
Head coach Mandla Mashymbyi said Ismail’s return could prove crucial to South Africa’s campaign.
“Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group,” Mashymbyi said in a CSA release. “We’ve had good talks and you can see how hungry she still is to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We’re also delighted to have players like Marizanne, Dan and Karabo available again.”
“Every team goes into the World Cup wanting to win it and we’re no different, but for us it’s about loving the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament progresses.”
Clinton du Preez, South Africa’s head of women’s selectors, said continuity and experience were key factors in selecting the team.
“Keeping the core of the group together was important for us because this is a team that has built up strong experience, combinations and understanding over time,” said du Preez.
“At the same time, we also looked at areas where we felt that additional experience and impressive options could strengthen the team, especially in the high-pressure moments that often decide tournaments of this nature.”
Also in the squad is up-and-coming all-rounder Kayla Reyneke, who captained South Africa in the under-19 category and is set to feature in her first senior ICC tournament.
South Africa opened their Women’s World T20 campaign against Australia in Manchester on 13 June.
South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nononneke Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Chlokhukhurk van Nie, Chlok.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
12 May 2026 14:14 IST
