South Africa announce squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2026, 37-year-old pacer returns after retirement U-turn

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on May 12 announced their 15-member squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. South Africa have recalled their 37-year-old pacer Shabnim Ismail who made a retirement U-turn. Shabnim had retired in 2023 but has been playing in franchise T20 leagues.

Laura Wolvaardt will lead the side which will feature veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk. Also, young wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has returned to the squad after recovering from a wrist injury.

"Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said in a CSA press release.

ALSO READ: 'I stopped making long term goals because...': Bhuvneshwar Kumar responds to chatter around India T20I comeback

"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, Dané and Karabo available again.”

ALSO READ: 'Suddenly one day I would find him very cold at the toss': Manjrekar feels Kohli 'very sensitive to criticism' & how it works in his favour

Since retiring from international cricket, Shabnim has played 92 T20s and claimed 101 wickets at an average of 20.71, including two four-wicket hauls. Her economy rate was 6.48 during this period.

"Keeping the core of the group together was important to us because this is a squad that has built strong experience, combinations and understanding over time. At the same time, we also looked at areas where we felt additional experience and impactful options could strengthen the team, especially in the high-pressure moments that often decide tournaments of this nature," said Clinton du Preez, South Africa women's convenor of selectors.

South Africa Women's T20 World Cup squad

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dané van Niekerk.

Bosch dropped

The notable omission is Anneke Bosch. The 32-year-old all-rounder registered two single-digit scores against India in the recent T20I series. She played a vital role in taking South Africa to the final of T20 World Cup 2025, scoring an unbeaten 48-ball 74 in the semifinal against Australia.

South Africa face stern challenge upfront

South Africa have been placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, Netherlands, Australia and India. They will begin their campaign on June 13 against six-time champions Australia at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.