The Proteas women have named the squad which will test their ODI progress when they meet India in a three-match series in February.
Dane van Niekerk’s team reached new heights with an impressive display in the Women’s World Cup in England in June-July, when they were beaten by England in a thrilling semi-final, having notched up wins against Sri Lanka, West Indies, India and Pakistan.
They were recognised by the inclusion of Van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt in the team of the tournament.
Now they can measure their progress in the first in an ICC series for qualification for the next World Cup, in 2021.
Coach Hilton Moreeng said the squad reflected a continuation from the World Cup with a few youngsters included.
‘These youngsters need to start learning, and be part of a squad that has been doing well in the last couple of years will do them a world of good in their growth.
‘As one of the finalists in the World Cup, we know that the series against India is going to be a tough one.
‘It’s been a long break for the squad and preparation has been very good building up to this important, first IWC series and we are going to make sure that we keep working hard and that we arrive prepared for it.’
The Proteas women will then play five T20s across the country.
Zintle Mali, the 24-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Border has been called up as the Proteas prepare for the ICC Women’s World T20 which will be held this November in the West Indies.
Momentum Proteas ODI squad: Dane van Niekerk (captain, Eastern Province), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Trisha Chetty (Gauteng), Shabnim Ismail (Gauteng), Ayabonga Khaka (Gauteng), Masabata Klaas (North West), Sune Luus (Northerns), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province), Mignon du Preez (Northerns), Lizelle Lee (North West), Chloe Tryon (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Andrie Steyn (Western Province), Raisibe Ntozakhe (Gauteng), Zintle Mali (Border).
Momentum Proteas T20 squad: Dane van Niekerk (captain, Eastern Province), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Trisha Chetty (Gauteng), Shabnim Ismail (Gauteng), Ayabonga Khaka (Gauteng), Masabata Klaas (North West), Sune Luus (Northerns), Odine Kirsten (Northerns), Mignon du Preez (Northerns), Lizelle Lee (North West), Chloe Tryon (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Nadine de Klerk (Northerns), Raisibe Ntozakhe (Gauteng), Moseline Daniels (Boland).
Tour Schedule: 5 February: 1st ODI, Diamond Oval, Kimberley (10am); 7: 2nd ODI, Kimberley (10); 1o: 3rd ODI, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom (10)
13 February: 1st T20I, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom (1pm); 16: 2nd T20I, Buffalo Park, East London (1pm), 18: 3rd T20I, Bidvest Wanderers, Johannesburg (9.45am); 21: 4th T20I, SuperSport Park, Centurion (1pm); 24: 5th T20I, PPC Newlands, Cape Town.
