South Africa announce 15-member squad for ODI World Cup 2025, no place for former captain who reversed retirement

Cricket South Africa on September 3 announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka. Laura Wolvaardt will lead the South African side. Dane van Niekerk, who recently took a U-turn on her retirement, did not make it to the squad.

South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against England at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on October 3. Their clash with hosts India is scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam on October 9. They will travel to Colombo to face co-hosts Sri Lanka.

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"From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said. "We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that we have done our best. We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud.

"I am happy for all the players and management who will be getting on that plane to India, but I am even more excited to see what they can achieve together as a group. We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation."

South Africa’s squad for ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase.

Reserve: Miané Smit

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South Africa yet to cross the semifinal barrier in ODI World Cup

For the last two editions, South Africa have been qualifying for the semifinals but haven't got past it. In both editions, they have been knocked out by England. South Africa are yet to qualify for a final in Women's ODI World Cup. There is only one other instance of South Africa qualifying for the semifinals, in the 2000 edition.

What Van Niekerk said after reversing her retirement -

Van Nierkerk was named in South Africa's training camp squad last month but did not make it to the final squad.

“I'm thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket. The time away has reminded me just how much I have missed representing my country and I am fully committed to giving everything to once again have that opportunity,” Van Niekerk wrote in a statement on Instagram.

“I sincerely apologise to Cricket South Africa and the cricket family for how I handled my retirement, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to hopefully one day express my skills again on the international stage. I know the standards of the team and the women's game continue to rise, and I am ready to work hard to meet them.

“I return with renewed energy, focus, and a deep sense of gratitude for this chance. Thank you to everyone who continues to support me on this journey,” the 32-year-old added.