Veteran Fast Bowler Returns After Three Years as South Africa Aim for Maiden Women’s T20 World Cup Title

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South Africa have received a major boost ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail reversing her international retirement and earning a place in the squad for the tournament in England this June.

The 37-year-old pace star, who retired from international cricket in 2023, will reunite with long-time new-ball partner Marizanne Kapp as South Africa look to challenge for their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title. Former captain Dane van Niekerk also returns after making her own comeback to international cricket last year.

The squad will once again be led by captain Laura Wolvaardt and includes experienced campaigners such as Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka.

One of the biggest talking points in the squad is the inclusion of explosive all-rounder Kayla Reyneke, who is set to play her first senior Women’s T20 World Cup. Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has also returned after recovering from a wrist injury. Both players were part of South Africa’s Under-19 team that reached the final in 2025.

South Africa will open their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Australia Women’s National Cricket Team in Manchester on June 13.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi welcomed Ismail’s return, saying her experience and hunger to succeed could play a key role in the tournament.

“Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special,” Mashimbyi said in a Cricket South Africa release.

Despite retiring from international cricket, Ismail remained active in franchise leagues around the world. She was part of the title-winning Mumbai Indians Women squad in the 2025 Women’s Premier League and has continued to feature in tournaments including the WBBL, WCPL and The Hundred.

South Africa selector Clinton du Preez said the management wanted to maintain the core of the squad while adding experienced match-winners capable of handling pressure situations in global tournaments.

Meanwhile, batter Anneke Bosch, who played a crucial role in helping South Africa reach the final of the previous Women’s T20 World Cup, has been left out of the squad.

South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dané van Niekerk.