Shabnim Ismail returns for Proteas Women as World Cup squad named

Ismail, who announced her international retirement after the 2023 World Cup final on home soil, has been roped back in by coach Mandla Mashimbyi for next month's showpiece in England and Wales.

The 37-year-old, who has 113 T20 internationals and a record 123 wickets to her name, has been playing in the shortest format of the game in several leagues around the world and is thought to be a missing piece in the puzzle.

"Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special," said Mashimbyi.

Another major decision is the return of former captain Dané van Niekerk, who also retired from the game three years ago but reversed that decision earlier this year.

READ: Luus has made the opening role her own - Mandla Mashimbyi

Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp also returns following a spell on the sidelines through injury, as does wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso.

"We’re excited for the big show ahead, and I think the players have really put in the work over the last few months. The 4-1 series win against India gave us a lot of confidence, but there are still final touch-ups we need to make before the World Cup starts," the coach added.

"Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances."

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from 12 June to 5 July, with South Africa set to depart for the UK on 25 May to face Australia in three training matches in Arundel, before the official opening match against the same side on 13 June in Manchester.

Full Proteas Women World Cup squad:

Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Shabnim Ismail (DP World Lions), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)

Proteas Women Management Staff:

Mandla Mashimbyi (Head coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (Team Manager), Dillon du Preez (Bowling Coach), Andrew Puttick (Batting Coach), Mduduzi Mbatha (Fielding Coach), Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst), Claire Terblanche (Coach), Dr Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor), Neline Hoffman-Kellerman (Physiotherapist), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Happiness Mesi (Massage Therapist and Logistics), Dr Koketjo Tsebe (Team Psychologist), Lita Gqirana (Media Manager), and Zahid Shaik (Security Liason Officer.).