JOHANNESBURG (Web Desk) - Shabnim Ismail, the 37-year-old quick who retired in 2023, will make a surprise return to international cricket at the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. Ismail will link up with her former new-ball partner Marizanne Kapp, who returns from illness and former captain Dane van Niekerk, who has played nine internationals since reversing her own retirement last year.
The squad will be captained by Laura Wolvaardt and includes all South Africa's other regular names including Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka.
Explosive finisher and former under-19 captain Kayla Reyneke is set for her first senior World Cup. Wicketkeeper batter Karabo Meso, who was part of the under-19 side Reyneke led to the final in 2025, is also in the squad after recovering from a wrist injury. South Africa begin their campaign against Australia in Manchester on June 13.
"Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said in a CSA press release. "We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We're also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dané and Karabo available again.
Ismail has kept herself active in the franchise circuit, winning the WPL in 2025 with Mumbai Indians. She has played a total of 92 T20s since retiring, including matches at the WBBL, the WCPL and the women's Hundred.
South Africa women's convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez added: "Keeping the core of the group together was important to us because this is a squad that has built strong experience, combinations and understanding over time. At the same time, we also looked at areas where we felt additional experience and impactful options could strengthen the team, especially in the high-pressure moments that often decide tournaments of this nature."
Anneke Bosch, who carried South Africa through to the final of the last T20 World Cup, has missed out.
South Africa Women's T20 World Cup squad Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 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