Johannesburg – Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the South Africa Under-19 Women’s squad set to compete in the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, 2025.
Western Province all-rounder Kayla Reyneke has been appointed as captain of the 15-player squad. The team remains unchanged from the group that recently participated in Youth T20 International series against Ireland and India’s U19 A and B teams.
The squad is bolstered by five non-travelling reserves: Lethabo Bidli, Keamogetswe Chuene, Jenna-Lee Lubbe, Jané Verhage, and Sinelethu Yaso.
South Africa U19 Women’s Squad:
Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).
Non-travelling Reserves:
Lethabo Bidli (Lions), Keamogetswe Chuene (Lions), Jenna-Lee Lubbe (Lions), Jané Verhage (Titans), Sinelethu Yaso (Western Province).
Drawn in Group C, South Africa will face Samoa, New Zealand, and Nigeria during the initial phase of the tournament.
The team will receive their official caps at a ceremony on January 5 at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, coinciding with the national flag handover during Day 3 of the Proteas Men’s Test match against Pakistan.
Ahead of the tournament, the squad will participate in three practice T20 matches against the USA U19 team on January 6, 7, and 8. These matches will take place at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, where the team will train from January 4 to 10.
Warm-up fixtures against Ireland (January 13) and India (January 15) are also on the schedule to fine-tune preparations.
Dinesha Devnarain confident team is ready
Head Coach Dinesha Devnarain expressed confidence in the team’s readiness:
“This squad has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience over the past 18 months. Our experiences in India highlighted key areas for improvement and fueled the team’s desire to compete on the global stage. This group is dynamic, adaptable, and prepared for the demands of international cricket. Our goal is to represent South Africa with pride and contend for the World Cup.”
AJ Rudman, Convenor of Selectors, congratulated the players:
“These young athletes have earned their place through dedication and perseverance. Representing South Africa at this level is a milestone in their careers, and I am confident they will rise to the occasion. This World Cup presents a fantastic platform to showcase their skills, and I wish them the best as they prepare for the journey ahead.”
Fixtures for ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025:
-
January 13, 08:30 SAST: Warm-Up – South Africa U19 vs Ireland (Selangor Turf Club, Kuala Lumpur)
-
January 15, 08:30 SAST: Warm-Up – South Africa U19 vs India (YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi)
-
January 18, 08:30 SAST: Group Stage – South Africa U19 vs New Zealand (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
-
January 20, 08:30 SAST: Group Stage – South Africa U19 vs Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
-
January 22, 08:30 SAST: Group Stage – South Africa U19 vs Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
-
January 25-29: Super Six Stage
-
January 31, 04:30 SAST: Semi-final 1 (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
-
January 31, 08:30 SAST: Semi-final 2 (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
-
February 2, 08:30 SAST: Final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
South Africa’s U19 Women’s team aims to make a strong impression in Malaysia, driven by the ambition to secure their first World Cup title.
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African Cricket News: Cricket
