South Africa’s best XI for the Women’s T20I series against West Indies

West Indies Women are set to take on South Africa women in a high-stakes three-match T20I series starting June 20. With the Proteas riding high on momentum after their remarkable comeback in the ODI series, they will look to carry that form into the T20I series.

Proteas onto the next challenge after WODI Triumph 

The South African side is geared up for their next challenge following a successful ODI series. Led by Marizanne Kapp , the Proteas boast a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. With Tazmin Brits in fine T20 form having scored consistently in recent international outings—the team enters the series as favourites. South Africa’s recent T20I performances, including a strong showing against Pakistan and a competitive series against India, highlight their growing confidence and depth in the shortest format.

South Africa’s top-choice playing XI for the WT20I series against West Indies:

1. Laura Wolvaardt

• Role: Top-order Batter
• Strength: Classy strokeplay and anchor role
• Expectations: Wolvaardt’s ability to pace the innings makes her ideal at the top. Her calm presence sets the tone for the innings.

2. Tazmin Brits

• Role: Opening Batter
• Strength: Powerplay aggression
• Expectations: Brits is known for her fearless hitting early on. Her role will be to exploit fielding restrictions and build momentum.

3. Annerie Derkcksen

• Role: Batting All-rounder
• Strength: Clean hitting and medium pace
• Expectations: Derkcksen adds flexibility at No. 3. She can rotate strike and shift gears quickly, while also chipping in with the ball.

4. Sune Luus

• Role: All-rounder
• Strength: Leg-spin and experience
• Expectations: Luus brings depth and versatility in the middle overs. Her ability to bowl tight spells and anchor tricky chases will be vital.

5. Chloe Tryon

• Role: Middle-order All-rounder
• Strength: Explosive finisher
• Expectations: A game-changer with the bat, Tryon’s late-order hitting is key. Her spin bowling adds further value on slower pitches.

6. Marizanne Kapp (Captain)

• Role: Seam Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Experience and adaptability
• Expectations: Kapp remains a vital cog in the T20 setup. Whether breaking partnerships or quick finish with the bat, she offers unmatched skills.

Also READ: Tazmin Brits’ dazzling century guides South Africa to a series-clinching win over West Indies in the 3rd Women’s ODI

7. Nadine de Klerk

• Role: All-rounder
• Strength: Medium-pace accuracy and fielding
• Expectations: De Klerk can contribute with tight overs in the middle and support in lower-order batting, especially in crunch situations.

8. Sinalo Jafta (Wicketkeeper)

• Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
• Strength: Sharp wicketkeeping skills and calm under pressure
• Expectations: Behind the stumps, Jafta brings composure. With the bat, she can steer South Africa out of difficult middle-over slumps.

9. Nonkululeko Mlaba

• Role: Left-arm Spinner
• Strength: Economical spells
• Expectations: Mlaba will be the go-to option to contain runs during the middle overs and is effective against right-handers on slow pitches.

10. Ayabonga Khaka

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strength: Accuracy and control
• Expectations: Khaka’s experience in handling pressure makes her a reliable choice during the powerplay and at the death.

11. Masabata Klaas

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strength: Late-innings bowling and variations
• Expectations: Klaas will be crucial in closing out games, especially in tight finishes. Her death-over control and ability to take key wickets could prove decisive.

Also READ: South Africa’s women cricketers hail men’s WTC final triumph over Australia