Young trio set to ignite Proteas Women in ODI series

The Proteas Women are set to usher in a new era of youthful energy with the inclusion of three debutants in the squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series.

Rising stars Karabo Meso, Miané Smit, and Seshnie Naidu are poised to make their 50-over international debuts when South Africa takes on hosts Sri Lanka and India from 27 April-11 May.

The trio joins an experienced Proteas squad with the backing of team captain Laura Wolvaardt, who praised the young players for their inclusion.

“Karabo, Seshnie and Miané have been very exciting additions to the squad. They’re very chatty, eager to learn and it’s been exciting to see how quickly they’ve adapted.

“I think it gives a bit of healthy competition in the squad as well, to see some youngsters who have been performing get opportunities. It pushes everyone to work a bit harder and do a bit better. Really happy for them as well. Just the work that they've put in at provincial cricket and in school cricket, as well, to get this opportunity is very deserving,” said Wolvaardt

First among the trio is the versatile Knights all-rounder Smit, known for her right-hand batting and off-spin. The 20-year-old who hails from Bloemfontein expressed her excitement about the opportunity.

“It’s such a privilege and honour and I just enjoy being in this space so much. It’s so competitive and I’m learning so much and starting to turn the nerves into excitement. I want to bring some energy and fun to the team, and if I get a chance to bat, I’m aiming to score a hundred.”

She also acknowledged the influence of senior teammates like Chloé Tryon, Suné Luus and Wolvaardt, who have guided her during the team’s pre-series camp in Tshwane.

After a successful youth international campaign with the SA Under-19 Women and an impressive showing at domestic and school level this season, Meso returns to the national fold with a renewed outlook.

“I’m just being positive and playing a brand of cricket that I know. I think people say there are expectations but I won’t put that in my head,” the wicketkeeper batter shared.

Reflecting on her path through the SA U19 setup and the Hollywoodbets Pro Series with the DP World Lions, Meso said those experiences have prepared her for this next step.

“Reaching the U19 final made me realise there's still a lot of cricket that's going to be played. And also, there are winning moments and losing moments. I think that made me play the cricket that I'm playing now and enjoying every moment of school cricket and domestic cricket.”

Completing the youthful trio is Hollywoodbets Dolphins leg-spinner Naidu, who is looking to convert hard work into a meaningful contribution at the international level.

“This period has been about learning, not just about skill, but about working together as a team. Stepping onto the field wearing the badge is something I truly cherish. I would really enjoy playing alongside the best in the country and representing my country.”

Naidu, who has been part of national setups before, including the Proteas Women squad at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE, said building relationships with senior players has made the transition easier.

“It's been great chatting with the ladies, learning from everyone and getting to know them and cracking a few jokes now and again - I've been enjoying it.”

With the ODI Tri-Series approaching, Wolvaardt emphasised the importance of support and preparation for the debutants.

“International cricket takes another step up from domestic cricket, so maybe talking them through those things, talking through the plans that I may have as a captain if they're bowling, and making sure we're on the same page with that. Just making them feel as comfortable and as calm as they can be just before the actual game starts.”

Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), *Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures

Sunday (6.30am - SAST) – First ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday (6.30am - SAST) – Second ODI: India v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 2 May (6.30am - SAST) – Third ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 4 May (6.30am - SAST) – Fourth ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 7 May (6.30am - SAST) – Fifth ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 9 May (6.30am - SAST) – Sixth ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May (6.30am - SAST) – Final: First v Second (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)