New Delhi, 19 August (H.S.): South Africa’s women’s cricket team will tour Zimbabwe for the first time, with the two sides set to face each other in a five-match T20 International series for the first time. The Proteas Women’s National Selection Panel on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the series, which will be played from September 11 to 19.

All five matches will be held at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, with Laura Wolvaardt leading the South African side. The squad features several new faces, including three players who are yet to make their international debuts.

Fast bowler Caitlin Wijnberg has received her maiden call-up to the national team. Wijnberg recently impressed during South Africa Emerging Women’s tour against Bangladesh Emerging Women. She is joined by South Africa Under-19 Women’s player Nthabiseng Nini and off-spinner Luyanda Nzuza, both of whom have also earned their first call-ups to the senior national squad.

The squad also includes Faye Tunnicliffe, Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase and Miane Smit. Wicketkeeper-batters Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso, along with Kayla Reyneke and Annerie Dercksen, will further strengthen the team.

South Africa Women’s squad for the Zimbabwe series:

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Kayla Reyneke, Nthabiseng Nini, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe and Caitlin Wijnberg.

Series Schedule:

First T20I – September 11, Bulawayo

Second T20I – September 13, Bulawayo

Third T20I – September 15, Bulawayo

Fourth T20I – September 17, Bulawayo

Fifth T20I – September 19, Bulawayo

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar