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This Sunday, a new name will be etched on the ICC Women’s World Cup trophy. It will either be hosts India or The Proteas Women.

Our ladies have shown incredible resilience and unity throughout this tournament. Despite the loss in the first group stage game to England, the team rallied with 5 wins in a row and were unrelenting in their semi-final win against when they played England again!

This moment is not just about a final; it’s a testament to the unbreakable spirit that defines this squad and the spirit behind The Proteas badge.

Q: When is it?

11:30am (SAST) Sunday 2 November

Q: Where is it?

Q: Where can I watch it?

It will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 212. It has also been made available to all DStv Access subscribers.

LAURA WOLVAARDT 14

TOP-ORDER BATTER

Player Information

Age 26

Date of birth April 6, 1999

Test Debut June 27, 2022

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm offbreak

About Laura Wolvaardt

Laura Wolvaardt is the captain and one of the most technically gifted batters in the world. Known for her elegant cover drives and sound temperament, she has been a mainstay at the top of the South African order since her teenage years. Wolvaardt made her international debut at just 16 years old and quickly established herself as a prodigious talent, scoring her first ODI half-century in her second match. Her ability to anchor an innings and accumulate runs with classical strokeplay makes her a cornerstone of The Proteas Women’s batting lineup.

‘‘I’ve always believed in the power of a solid technique. It’s my foundation, and from there, you can build any innings the team needs.

Over the years, she has evolved from a steady accumulator into a more expansive match-winner, significantly improving her strike rate without compromising her technique. Wolvaardt boasts multiple centuries in both ODI and Test cricket, often scoring them in high-pressure situations. Her leadership qualities were recognized when she was appointed full-time captain across all formats, taking over the reins from Sune Luus. She has grown into the role, leading the team with a calm and thoughtful demeanor.

Under her captaincy, South Africa has remained a highly competitive side on the global stage. Wolvaardt’s hunger for runs is insatiable, and she consistently ranks among the top batters in the ICC rankings. As a young leader and a worldclass batter, Laura Wolvaardt is the face of South African women’s cricket and is poised to lead the team to new heights in the coming years.

‘‘ My athletic background taught me about power and pressure. Now I channel that into my cricket – I see the ball and I back myself to hit it.

TAZMIN BRITS 1

TOP-ORDER BATTER

Player Information

Age 34

Date of birth January 8, 1991

Test Debut February 15, 2024

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm fast

About Tazmin Brits

Tazmin Brits is a dynamic opening batter known for her powerful hitting and ability to provide explosive starts at the top of the order. A former world champion in javelin, Brits brings a unique athletic background to cricket, which is evident in her strong, clean striking and exceptional fielding. She made a memorable entry into the international scene, showcasing her potential to take on the best bowling attacks from the very first ball.

While she took some time to find her consistent footing, Brits announced herself on the world stage during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023. She was one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers, playing a pivotal role in guiding South Africa to their first-ever World Cup final. Her performances under immense pressure demonstrated her mental fortitude and match-winning capabilities.

Brits forms a formidable opening partnership with Laura Wolvaardt, combining her power and aggression with her captain’s grace and timing. This contrast makes the South African top order incredibly dangerous. As a senior player, her experience and fearless approach are invaluable, setting the tone for the innings and giving The Proteas a flying start in the powerplay.

‘‘ I thrive under pressure. When the team needs me most, that’s when I want to be in the middle, with the bat or the ball in my hand.

MARIZANNE KAPP 7

Player Information

35

Date of birth January 4, 1990

Test Debut November 16, 2014

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm medium

About Marizanne Kapp

Marizanne Kapp is a world-class all-rounder and one of the most valuable players in the history of South African cricket. A genuine three-dimensional star, Kapp is a right-arm seam bowler of the highest quality, a destructive and dependable batter, and an brilliant fielder. She is the ultimate big-game player, renowned for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is at its peak, a trait that has earned her the nickname ‘The Rock’.

With the ball, she is renowned for her impeccable line and length, the ability to swing the ball both ways, and a deadly slower ball. She can open the bowling or be a first-change weapon. With the bat, she has evolved into a genuine top-order force, capable of scoring blistering centuries in ODIs and providing explosive finishes in T20s. Her innings in the 2022 World Cup final is the stuff of legend, a breathtaking century against the best attack in the world.

Kapp’s experience and success in leagues worldwide have made her a cricketing genius. Her partnership with her wife, Dane van Niekerk, was a cornerstone of The Proteas for years. Now, as a senior leader, Marizanne Kapp’s intensity, skill, and unwavering competitiveness make her the heart and soul of the team, inspiring her teammates to greater heights.

AYABONGA KHAKA 99 BOWLER

Player Information

Age 33

Date of birth July 8, 1992

Test Debut June 27, 2022

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm fast

About Ayabonga Khaka

Ayabonga Khaka is a master of seam bowling and a vital component of The Proteas Women’s attack. While not express pace, Khaka’s greatness lies in her incredible control, subtle movement off the seam, and a vast repertoire of variations. She is a thinking bowler who outsmarts batters with her changes of pace, clever use of the crease, and an unerring ability to hit the perfect length. Her economy rate is among the best in the world, making her a captain’s dream, especially in the middle and death overs.

‘‘ I don’t need to bowl the fastest. I focus on out-thinking the batter. Hitting the right area with the right variation is my art

Khaka has been a consistent performer for South Africa for many years, but her heroics in the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup catapulted her into the global spotlight. She bowled several game-changing spells throughout the tournament, including a magical over in the semifinal that secured South Africa’s place in the final. Her ability to take wickets without conceding runs makes her an invaluable weapon in restricting opponents.

Her journey is one of quiet perseverance and relentless refinement of her craft. Khaka may not have the fanfare of some teammates, but her value to the team is immeasurable. She is the silent assassin of the bowling attack, consistently breaking partnerships and stifling the flow of runs, proving that skill and intelligence can be just as devastating as raw pace.

SUNÉ LUUS 96

Player Information

29

Date of birth January 5, 1996

Test Debut February 20, 2012

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm offbreak

About Suné Luus

Sune Luus is a veteran leg-spin all-rounder and a former captain of The Proteas Women’s team. A highly experienced and versatile cricketer, Luus has been a mainstay in the side for over a decade. She first made her mark as a wicket-taking legspinner with a deceptive googly, but over the years, she has developed into a dependable middle-order batter capable of playing both anchor and accelerator roles.

‘‘ I’ve always been willing to play whatever role the team needs. Captain, batter, bowler - my goal is to help us win.

Her leadership qualities came to the fore when she was asked to captain the side for an extended period following the injury and eventual retirement of Dane van Niekerk. Luus led the team with great distinction, most notably guiding them to the final of the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil. She is a calm and tactical leader who commands the respect of her teammates.

Although she has now handed the captaincy back to Laura Wolvaardt, Luus remains an integral part of the team’s core. Her experience in high-pressure situations is invaluable, and her ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides crucial balance to the playing XI. Sune Luus is a true servant of South African cricket, adapting her role time and again for the betterment of the team.

MASABATA KLAAS 5 BOWLER

Player Information

34

Date of birth February 3, 1991

Test Debut June 27, 2022

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm fast

About Masabata Klaas

Masabata Klaas is a seasoned right-arm fast-medium bowler who brings experience and wicket-taking ability to The Proteas Women’s pace battery. Known for her strong action and ability to generate bounce, Klaas has been in and around the national setup for many years, providing a reliable and skillful bowling option. Her journey to the top has been marked by resilience, overcoming injuries and setbacks to consistently fight her way back into contention.

‘‘ I’ve faced many challenges, but they’ve only made me stronger. Every time I wear this shirt, I bowl with pride and for every girl who dreams of playing for her country

She made her international debut in 2010 and has since been a dependable performer. Klaas often operates as a first-change bowler, using her height to extract extra bounce from the pitch and trouble batters. She possesses a well-disguised slower ball and a handy bouncer, making her a tricky customer in the middle overs. Her fighting spirit with the ball is emblematic of the team’s never-say-die

As one of the senior bowlers in the squad, especially after the retirement of Shabnim Ismail, Klaas’s role has become even more important. She provides guidance to the younger bowlers and leads by example with her whole-hearted efforts. Masabata Klaas is a proven warrior for South Africa, always ready to step up and deliver a crucial spell.

NONKULULEKO MLABA 28 BOWLER

Player Information

25

Date of birth June 27, 2000

Test Debut June 27, 2022

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Left-arm orthodox

About Nonkululeko Mlaba

Nonkululeko Mlaba is a talented left-arm orthodox spinner who has quickly become a key component of South Africa’s white-ball attack. With her flat, accurate trajectory and subtle variations in pace, Mlaba is exceptionally difficult to score against. She excels at building pressure by bowling dot balls, forcing batters to make mistakes. Her ability to bowl in the powerplay, a rare skill for a spinner, makes her an incredibly valuable asset to the team.

‘‘ My job is simple: bowl dots. If I can build enough pressure, the wickets will come. I love the challenge of outsmarting a batter.

She made a rapid rise through the ranks, impressing at the Under-19 level before being fast-tracked into the senior team. Mlaha’s economy rate is consistently among the best in the world, and she has developed a knack for taking crucial wickets. She formed a potent spin partnership with the experienced Sune Luus, giving The Proteas a multi-dimensional bowling attack.

Despite her young age, Mlaba plays with a calmness and maturity that belies her experience. She is unfazed by the big stage, as demonstrated by her composed performances in World Cups. As she continues to develop, adding more weapons to her arsenal, Nonkululeko Mlaba is poised to be the leader of South Africa’s spin department for many years to come.

CHLOE TRYON 25

FINISHER

Player Information

Age 31

Date of birth January 4, 1994

Test Debut -

Batting Left-hand bat

Bowling Left-arm orthodox

About Chloe Tryon

Chloe Tryon is one of the most explosive and entertaining all-rounders in world cricket. A powerful left-handed batter and a crafty leftarm orthodox spinner, Tryon is a genuine gamechanger capable of turning a match on its head in a matter of overs. She is best known for her monstrous hitting, possessing the ability to clear the boundary with astonishing ease and frequency, making her one of the most feared finishers in the limited-overs formats.

‘‘ I see the ball, I hit the ball. I don’t like to overcomplicate it. My role is to go out there and change the game, and I back myself to do that.

Her international career began over a decade ago, and she has been a fan favorite ever since due to her aggressive style and charismatic personality. While injuries have occasionally interrupted her progress, she has always fought back to reclaim her place in the side. Tryon’s bowling is often underrated; she provides crucial control in the middle overs with her accurate left-arm spin and has the knack of breaking important partnerships.

As a senior figure in the team, Tryon’s experience in high-pressure situations is invaluable. She has played in T20 leagues around the world, honing her skills against the best players. When Chloe Tryon walks to the crease, the game’s momentum can shift instantly. She embodies the modern, aggressive spirit of The Proteas Women’s team and remains a crucial weapon in their arsenal, especially in the T20 format where her power-hitting is a priceless asset.

SINALO JAFTA 10

WICKETKEEPER

Player Information

Age 30

Date of birth December 22, 1994

Test Debut June 27, 2022

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm fast

About Sinalo Jafta

Sinalo Jafta was born on December 22, 1994, in East London, South Africa. She began playing cricket at a young age, inspired by her family and community. Her journey into professional cricket began with local clubs, where she honed her skills as a wicketkeeper and batter.

Jafta made her debut for the South Africa Women’s national team in 2016, marking the beginning of her international career. She has since represented her country in various formats, including One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and Test matches. Her consistent performances have solidified her position in the team.

‘‘ I bring the energy! Whether it’s with a catch, a stumping, or a big shot, I want to be the spark that lifts the team. I love my role

Throughout her career, Jafta has been known for her resilience and determination. In 2022, she faced personal challenges, including a battle with alcoholism. With the support of her teammates and medical staff, she sought rehabilitation and made a remarkable comeback to professional cricket. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of perseverance and self-belief.

On the field, Jafta is recognized for her sharp wicketkeeping skills and steady batting. Her ability to perform under pressure has been crucial in several key matches for The Proteas. She continues to be a valuable asset to the team, contributing both behind the stumps and with the bat.

Looking ahead, Jafta remains committed to her development as a cricketer. She aims to inspire the next generation of players and leave a lasting legacy in South African women’s cricket. Her journey reflects not only her athletic prowess but also her strength of character and dedication to the sport.

NADINE DE KLERK 32 ALL-ROUNDER

Player Information

Age 25

Date of birth January 16, 2000

Test Debut June 27, 2022

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm medium

About Nadine De Klerk

Nadine de Klerk is a tenacious and highly skilled all-rounder, embodying the fighting spirit of The Proteas Women’s team. A right-arm mediumfast bowler and a powerful lower-middle-order batter, de Klerk is a genuine three-dimensional player. She is known for her whole-hearted efforts on the field, whether she is bowling a tight spell under pressure, scoring quick runs, or pulling off a stunning catch.

‘‘ I never give up. Whether we’re defending a small total or chasing a big one, I believe my contribution can turn the game. I play with passion, always.

She made her international debut as a teenager and has developed into a key player in the side. With the ball, she is accurate and clever, often used as a partnership-breaker in the middle overs. With the bat, she is a fierce hitter who can change the momentum of a game in a few overs, making her a perfect finisher. Her competitive nature is infectious, often lifting the entire team’s energy.

De Klerk’s performances in global T20 leagues have further honed her skills and confidence. She has proven herself against the best players in the world, solidifying her reputation as a clutch performer. Nadine de Klerk is the engine room of the South African side, providing the balance, firepower, and grit that are essential for success in modern cricket.

‘‘ I want to bowl fast and take wickets. That’s the most exciting part of the game for me, and I’m working every day to get better at it.

ANNERIE DERCKSEN

FAST BOWLER

Player Information

Age 26

Date of birth August 15, 1999

Test Debut -

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm medium

About Annerie Dercksen

Annerie Dercksen is an exciting right-arm fast bowler who represents the new generation of pace talent in South African women’s cricket. Known for generating good pace and bounce, Dercksen has been identified as a player with significant potential to lead the bowling attack in the future. She honed her skills in domestic cricket, consistently performing for her provincial team and catching the eye of the national selectors with her aggressive bowling style and wicket-taking ability.

Her hard work paid off when she received her maiden call-up to the senior national squad, a testament to her development and the faith the coaching staff has in her abilities. While she is still in the early stages of her international career and working to secure a regular spot in the playing XI, her presence in the squad adds valuable depth to the pace bowling department. Dercksen’s journey is one of steady progression through the ranks, showcasing the effective pathway system in South Africa.

As she trains and tours with the world-class senior players, Dercksen is gaining invaluable experience that will accelerate her development. She is part of a strategic investment in the future of South Africa’s pace attack. With time and more exposure to the international level, Annerie Dercksen has the raw tools and the determination to become a key figure for The Proteas Women in the years to come.

TUMI SEKHUKHUNE 12 BOWLER

Player Information

Age 26

Date of birth November 29, 1998

Test Debut June 27, 2022

Batting Left-hand bat

Bowling Right-arm medium

About Tumi Sekhukhune

Tumi Sekhukhune is a right-arm medium-fast bowler known for her control and ability to swing the ball. She has worked her way into the national squad through consistent performances in domestic cricket, showcasing her skills as a reliable and intelligent bowler. Sekhukhune may not have express pace, but she makes up for it with her accuracy, seam movement, and clever changes of pace, making her a tricky customer for any batter.

‘‘ I believe in my skill and my control. You don’t always need to be the fastest; you need to be the smartest and hit your areas consistently.

She made her international debut in 2018 and has since been in the mix for a spot in the playing XI, often providing a different look to the attack with her swing-bowling prowess. Sekhukhune is often used to bowl in the middle overs, where her ability to contain runs and break partnerships is highly valued. Her fighting spirit and dedication to her craft are evident in her steady improvements.

As part of the next generation of South African pace bowlers, Sekhukhune’s role is growing in importance. She provides vital depth to the bowling unit and is always ready to step up when called upon. Tumi Sekhukhune’s journey is one of hard work and perseverance, and she represents the strong future of The Proteas Women’s bowling attack.

SHANGASE 4

‘‘ We just have to keep being positive and carry on with the matches

Player Information

Age 29

Date of birth April 5, 1998

Test Debut October 9, 2019

Batting Right-hand bat

Bowling Right arm Offbreak

About Nondumiso Shangase

Nondumiso Shangase is a batting allrounder who came up through the KwaZulu-Natal pathway system, making her way into the senior side within two years after a stint with the Under-19s, and also taking up captaincy duties for them. While there, she carried her bat in an innings while compiling a gritty century, which caught the eye of the selectors and brought her into the national side.

By 2019, Shangase had made her white-ball debuts for South Africa, but she has been in and out of the side since then. The highlight of her international career has been the unbeaten half-century she made in June 2025, playing against West Indies. It guided South Africa to a total of 309, and they went on to level the series at the end of it. She also took three wickets for 20 in Durban in a T20I against Pakistan, though South Africa lost that rain-affected game by eight runs.

While her numbers aren’t anything to crow about, Shangase has an affinity for big-hitting and is usually miserly with the ball, all good qualities to have.

KARABO MESO 72

WICKETKEEPER BATTER

Player Information

Age 18

Date of birth September 18, 2007

Test Debut March 30, 2024

Batting Right hand Bat

Bowling -

About Karabo Meso

Karabo Meso once had a one-on-one session with AB de Villiers while still in school. She credited it for helping manage her emotions during an innings under pressure - a Schools SA20 century.

When just 16, she earned her first senior South Africa call-up for their series against Sri Lanka in 2024. She has been around the set-up ever since. The selectors’ punt on her presence around the group even when she might not have been ready for the highest level is hard to disagree with. She effected eight dismissals in the Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023, and was selected in the official team of the tournament. The same year, she represented the nation’s emerging team in the African Games. They won a silver medal and she was, once again, the most prolific wicketkeeper in the tournament.

‘‘ When I play, nothing matters, I play my heart out and let the rest happen for itself.

While she has not had much playing time with the senior side yet, it can only be a matter of time before she comes good on her rare promise - a young keeper who can be as prolific in front of the stumps as she is behind it.

MIANE SMIT 43

ALL-ROUNDER

Player Information

Age 20

Date of birth

Test Debut

‘‘Success doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect momentit’s built in the moments when you choose to show up, push forward, and believe in your own potential

February 2, 2005

October 27, 2019

Batting Right hand Bat

Bowling Right arm Offbreak

About Miane Smit

Miane Smit has already had a taste of leadership, and done well playing with the tag. At the inaugural Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023, she had match figures of 4 for 11 against UAE, leading from the front as South Africa won by 45 runs. The same year, she was selected for the South Africa emerging squad to play against New Zealand, sealing her status as a promising young talent to look out for.

Smit received her maiden call-up to the white-ball sides during South Africa’s tour of the West Indies in May 2025. In her debut T20I series, she showed a glimpse of her top-drawer temperament when she scored an unbeaten 59 off 38 balls in the series decider, keeping the innings together after they had slumped to 90 for 5. It was not enough to drag South Africa to a winning total, though.

From the evidence so far - not to forget her stint as head girl in school - there is a leader in Smit, which, coupled with her ability, should stand South Africa in good stead in the near future.

MANAGEMENT PROFILES

Mandla Mashimbyi

Role: Head Coach

In the Role Since: 2024

Role: Team Manager In the Role Since: 2017

Baakier Abrahams

Role: Batting Coach In the Role Since: 2024

MANAGEMENT PROFILES

Dillon du Preez

Role: Bowling Coach In the Role Since: 2020

Bongani Ndaba

Role: Fielding Coach In the Role Since: 2024

Abram Ramoadi

Role: Performance Analyst In the Role Since: 2012

MANAGEMENT PROFILES

Zane Webster

Role: Strength & Conditioning Coach

In the Role Since: 2021

Neline Hoffman-Kellerman

Role: Physiotherapist In the Role Since: 2024

Role: Team Doctor In the Role Since: 2019

MANAGEMENT PROFILES

Dr Koketjo Tsebe

Role: Team Psychologist In the Role Since: 2025

Happiness Mesi

Role: Logistics & Massage Therapist In the Role Since: 2021

Lita Gqirana

Role: Media Manager In the Role Since: 2021

Zahid Shaik

Role: Close Protection Officer In the Role Since: 2021