THE 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and will see 10 teams from across the world battle it out in South Africa to be crowned World Champions for another three years.

In the lead up to the tournament, we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing the teams one by one, and taking a deep dive into their chances at the upcoming tournament. Next up in the series is South Africa.

South Africa is under a unique pressure this tournament.

Although the South Africans are one of those middle tier countries in the cricketing hierarchy, they have the pressure of being the host country at this year’s tournament. Because of that honour, they will want to put on a good show and make the most of this rare opportunity to be the host country.

They had been on the rise the past few years, but last year’s Commonwealth Games proved they still have a fair way to go to match it with the best in the world in the T20 format. Last time at the World Cup though they had a good tournament, but could not go all the way.

They finished top of their group and undefeated in the pool stage before ultimately being knocked out in the semi final by the eventual champions, Australia. They will certainly be looking to go at least one better at these Games.

However there has been some controversy surrounding the squad they have selected for this tournament. The side will be led by captain Sune Luus and vice captain Chloe Tryon. However Dane van Niekerk failed fitness tests and has not made the side. Marizanne Kapp, who alongside Shabnim Ismail will be a scary bowling combination to face for any side. There are also some less well known faces in the line up, with the uncapped Annerie Dercksen and Delmi Tucker – who only debuted last June – both making the squad.

Laura Wolvaardt will be looking to continue her great from the most recent Women’s Big Bash League, and alongside the likes of Anneke Bosch and Tazmin Brits will be looking to get South Africa off to good starts with the bat.

Another Proteas player missing is Mingon du Preez, who retired from international cricket in December, so she will be a huge whole in the batting prowess the South Africans have to fill.

South Africa Squad

Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Lara Goodall, Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Shabnim Ismail, Tazmin Brits, Masabata Klaas, Laura Wolvaardt, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Sune Luus (c), Anneke Bosch, Delmi Tucker

South Africa Fixture (all dates local)

February 10 – Sri Lanka
February 13 – New Zealand
February 18 – Australia
February 21 – Bangladesh