Macheke gets maiden call-up as Proteas Women make changes to coaching staff

The 25-year-old Macheke, a wicketkeeper-batter, is selected after Karabo Meso was ruled out due to a a wrist injury.

Eliz-Mari Marx is also recalled to the T20I squad, replacing seamer Masabata Klaas, in the only two changes to the side that toured New Zealand.

The T20I series against India kicks off on 17 April at Kingsmead in Durban with the final contest to be played in Benoni on 27 April.

Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said: "It is a quick turnaround, for sure, but a T20I series against India at home will always be special.

"The group remains largely the same for this tour. While we have learnt a lot about ourselves as a team on the recent trip to New Zealand, we are also very excited to get back on the field and express our eagerness to grow and improve with every game and training session.

"We are excited to welcome Eliz-Mari and Tebogo to the group, and we are looking forward to seeing how they contribute to the team as we continue the journey towards the T20 World Cup."

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has also confirmed changes to the Proteas Women coaching staff ahead of the Womenâ™s T20 World Cup 2026 in England that starts in June.

The adjustments follow the imminent conclusion of the current contracts of batting coach Baakier Abrahams, fielding coach Bongani Ndaba, and strength and conditioning coach Zane Webster, which will not be extended beyond the 2025-26 season as part of a planned transition within the national setup.

The trio departs after playing a significant role in a successful period in Proteas Women's history, contributing to back-to-back World Cup final appearances in 2024 and 2025, with Webster also part of the team's maiden T20 World Cup final appearance in 2023 on home soil.

Stepping into the roles and bringing their specialised experience will be strength and conditioning coach Tumi Masekela, with former Western Province batter Andrew Puttick (batting coach) and former Northern Cape Heat head coach Mduduzi Mbhatha (fielding Coach) joining the squad through to the end of the World Cup before permanent replacements are confirmed.

About the changes to his coaching staff, Mashimbyi added: "As a team, we are always looking to evolve, and the introduction of new voices brings fresh perspective and renewed energy to the group.

"We are grateful to Baakier, Bongani and Zane for the strong foundation they have helped build, and this next phase gives us an opportunity to challenge ourselves further as we continue our preparations towards the World Cup."

CSA director of high performance, Enoch Nkwe, added: "We thank Baakier, Bongani and Zane for their valuable contributions to the national setup, which have played an important role in the team's recent success.

"We are equally pleased to welcome Tumi, Andrew and Mduduzi, as we continue to strengthen the environment with fresh thinking in pursuit of sustained success."

Proteas Women T20I squad: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune and Chloe Tryon

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