South Africa arrives at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Semi-finalists in 2017 and 2022, the Proteas have consistently threatened the elite but fallen just short of the summit. This year, with a side boasting proven international stars and some exciting new names, they will be desperate to turn potential into history by lifting their first-ever ODI World Cup trophy.
InsideSport ranks the South Africa squad for the Women’s World Cup 2025.
Batting: Experience at the top, fire in the middle (Rating: 8/10)
This is could be their best department. The South African batting unit is headlined by captain Laura Wolvaardt, arguably the finest opening batter in the women’s game today. Known for her elegant drives, she will once again anchor the top order. Alongside her, Tazmin Brits has blossomed into a dependable partner. Brits’ recent tour of the West Indies showed her form as she scored 184 runs across three matches, including a decisive century in the series decider, which earned her the Player of the Series. Not to mention, she scored a superb century against Pakistan, helped by Marizanne Kapp’s incredible 121* off 128.
The middle order carries serious firepower. Chloé Tryon, with her ODI strike rate of 101.83, is among the most destructive hitters in women’s cricket. She pairs well with Sune Luus, who scored a fluent 76 off 65 balls in a recent West Indies clash. Anneke Bosch and Nadine de Klerk add further depth, ensuring South Africa is not reliant on just its frontline batters.
However, South Africa can sometimes lean too heavily on Wolvaardt or Kapp to provide the match-defining innings.
All-rounders: South Africa’s biggest asset (Rating: 9/10)
The true strength of this squad lies in its wealth of all-rounders. With Marizanne Kapp, Chloé Tryon, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, and Nondumiso Shangase, the balance is enviable. Maybe only Australia can boast such depth.
Kapp remains the heartbeat of the side. A genuine match-winner, she has 167 ODI wickets at 24.48 alongside 3182 runs at 33.49. Her numbers cement her as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern game. Her ability to swing matches with bat or ball is unmatched. Tryon provides explosive middle-order hitting but also the knack for game-changing spells, as shown in her brilliant 5/34 against Sri Lanka Women in May 2025. De Klerk is another consistent performer with 54 wickets at 29.04 and 713 runs at 23.00.
Bowling: Khaka and Klaas lead the charge (Rating: 7/10)
Even without the retired Shabnim Ismail, South Africa’s bowling retains both bite and variety. The pace attack is spearheaded by Ayabonga Khaka, who has been the side’s workhorse, claiming 134 ODI wickets at 26.90, and Masabata Klaas, who recently dismantled the West Indies with figures of 4/25. Tumi Sekhukhune adds more pace options, while Kapp offers control and breakthroughs in equal measure.
The spin department will rely heavily on Nonkululeko Mlaba, who has 36 wickets in 35 ODIs, including 4/33 against the West Indies. South Africa’s spin stocks are in fine fettle. Left-arm orthodox Mlaba recently grabbed 4/29 vs West Indies in a T20 clash to throttle their run-rate. Tryon, Luus and de Klerk bring variety: from off-spin tweaks to arm balls, and occasional leg cutters when conditions permit. Their combined spells under pressure could be match-turners in slow Indian wickets.
South Africa squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
| Category | Player Names |
|---|---|
| Batters | Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Karabo Meso (wk) |
| All-rounders | Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon |
| Bowlers | Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune |
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