South Africa have named veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail in their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the 37-year-old reversing her international retirement ahead of the marquee tournament in England and Wales.
Ismail, one of the most feared pacers in women’s cricket, retired from international cricket in 2023 but has now made herself available for the World Cup as the Proteas attempt to end years of near-misses on the global stage. South Africa have finished runners-up in the last two editions of the tournament, including the 2023 final at home where they lost to Australia.
The experienced quick remains South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is. She has taken 123 wickets in 113 T20Is and is expected to bolster a pace attack that already includes Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka.
Laura Wolvaardt will captain the side for the second successive Women’s T20 World Cup. The opener, currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I batter rankings, leads a settled core that also features 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. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has also been included after recovering from a wrist injury.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said Ismail’s return could prove decisive for South Africa’s campaign.
“Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group,” Mashimbyi said in a CSA release. “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, Dan 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.”
South Africa women’s convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez said continuity and experience were key factors behind the squad selection.
“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,” du Preez said.
“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.”
The squad also includes rising all-rounder Kayla Reyneke, who captained South Africa at the Under-19 level and is set to feature in her first senior ICC event.
South Africa begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Australia in Manchester on June 13.
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, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Nierkerk.
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