Kayla Reyneke to Captain South Africa at the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) All-rounder Kayla Reyneke has been appointed as the captain of South Africa for the upcoming 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to commence on January 18 in Malaysia. South Africa has been placed in Group C alongside Samoa, New Zealand, and Nigeria.

Kayla is one of seven players retained from the squad that participated in the previous tournament held in 2023 in South Africa, along with Jemma Botha, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, and Nthabiseng Nini.

Diara Ramlakan, who was a non-traveling reserve in the 2023 edition, has secured a position in the main squad for the forthcoming event. Seshnie, a leg-spinner, and wicketkeeper Karabo Meso are the only two players in the lineup who have previously earned caps for the senior South Africa women's team.

The remainder of the South African team consists of players who participated in the recent series against Ireland and the tri-series involving India U19 A and B teams in Pune earlier this month.

“This squad exemplifies the hunger and determination we have cultivated over the past 18 months of preparation. The challenges encountered in India have tested our mettle, revealed areas for improvement, and ignited a passion within the team to compete at the highest level,” said head coach Dinesha Devnarain in a statement.

“We have assembled a dynamic and versatile group that meets the demands of modern cricket. Our objective is straightforward: to represent South Africa with pride, dominate the group stages, and ultimately bring the World Cup home,” she added.

South Africa will hold three practice T20 matches against the USA team on January 6, 7, and 8, respectively, while based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in Stellenbosch from January 4-10.

As part of their World Cup preparation, South Africa will face Ireland on January 13 and conclude their training with a match against India on January 15, before starting their campaign against New Zealand on January 18 at Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak.

“Congratulations to the 15-player squad on their selection for this esteemed tournament. Their inclusion is the outcome of years of hard work and perseverance, and I am confident they will make the country proud,” said AJ Rudman, Convenor of Selectors.

“This represents a fantastic opportunity for these young talents to showcase their skills on a global platform, and I wish the team and management all the best as they prepare to represent South Africa in Malaysia. We believe in their capacity to compete at the highest level and to continue the legacy of excellence in South African cricket,” he added.

South Africa squad: Kayla Reyneke (captain), Jemma Botha, Fay Cowling, Jae-Leigh Filander, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Diara Ramlakan, Diedre van Rensburg, Mieke van Voorst, Ashleigh van Wyk, Chanel Venter