Proteas Women Name Squads for Big December Battles Against Ireland
Cricket South Africa has named the Proteas Women’s T20I and ODI squads for next month’s home series against Ireland. The selection brings big news, including the return of former captain Dané van Niekerk and a first-ever call-up for allrounder Leah Jones. The matches are part of South Africa’s preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the long-term plan for the 2029 ODI World Cup.
The Proteas Women are gearing up for a crucial December as Cricket South Africa announced their squads for both the T20I and ODI series against Ireland. The tour, which will be played across six major South African cities from 5 to 19 December, marks the start of the team’s next big chapter as they prepare for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
A major highlight of the announcement is the return of former captain Dane van Niekerk, who is selected for the first time since 2021. After reversing her retirement and performing strongly for Western Province, the 32-year-old is back in both formats and is expected to add experience and depth to the squad.
The T20I squad also welcomes back Faye Tunnicliffe and legspinner Seshnie Naidu, both rewarded for their domestic form. They join captain Laura Wolvaardt and a strong core of all-rounders, including Suné Luus, Marizanne Kapp and Chloé Tryon. Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas lead the bowling attack, while Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso handle wicketkeeping duties.
The ODI squad introduces a fresh chapter after South Africa reached their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final earlier this year. Rising Western Province allrounder Leah Jones receives her debut international call-up and could play alongside Tunnicliffe and Lara Goodall, who returns after missing several months of national action. Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx are also back after missing out on the World Cup squad.
Several senior players, including Kapp, Khaka, Klaas, Tryon, de Klerk and Dercksen, will focus only on the T20Is, while Anneke Bosch returns to domestic cricket.
The Proteas will begin the month with the three-match T20I series, starting on 5 December at Newlands — their first match back at the iconic ground since their historic T20 World Cup final in 2023. They then move to Paarl and Benoni before shifting into the ODI series, which will be played in East London, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.
Selector Clinton du Preez said the tour offers a chance to test new players while building for future World Cups. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi added that this new phase brings fresh energy as the team aims to inspire fans and strengthen new combinations.
Full squads and fixture details remain unchanged from CSA’s official announcement.
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