South Africa Women squad for upcoming tour of New Zealand announced, youngster receives maiden call-up

Cricket South Africa has unveiled South Africa Women's squad for their upcoming tour of New Zealand, with Laura Wolvaardt leading the pack in her usual role as the captain of the side. In the squad, 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke has been rewarded for her showings in the domestic circuit with a maiden international call-up. Notably, Reyneke has already made her T20I debut and will now be seen in the ODI kits as well.

The tour will consist of three One-Day Internationals in addition to the five T20I internationals that will mark the commencement. The three-match ODI series will also be a part of the ICC Women's Championship. Head coach Mandla Mashmbyi has said that touring New Zealand to face the White Ferns will pose a huge challenge in front of the Proteas and that the team will have to adapt to the conditions. 

"Touring New Zealand always presents unique challenges. The conditions require adaptability, especially when playing across multiple venues where the surfaces and weather can differ. We must adjust quickly, apply ourselves and maintain the standards we have set as a team. This tour gives us another valuable opportunity to test our combinations, deepen our squad and continue evolving our brand of cricket against quality opposition," Mashimbyi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The 15-member squad also features the return of Masabata Klaas and Ayabonga Khaka to the setup after the duo had missed out on previous assignments. Marizanne Kapp, who injured herself during the Pakistan series, has not made it to the final fifteen, but her spouse Dané van Niekerk has made a comeback to the Proteas side.

"The return of Masabata and Ayabonga adds valuable firepower and experience to our bowling attack, particularly in the ODI format. Kayla's maiden ODI call-up is thoroughly deserved following her performances in the recent T20Is. She has shown composure and skill at international level, and we believe she is a player for the future who can grow into an important role within the squad," selection committee's Clinton du Preez said. 

South Africa Women squad for tour of New Zealand

Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon, Dané van Niekerk