Johannesburg, Sep 3 (PTI) Seventeen-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has been selected for the first time in South Africa's squad for the women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to commence later this month in India and Sri Lanka.
Meso, who made her debut for the senior team against Sri Lanka in T20 Internationals this past March, has so far participated in two One Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals.
She is set to join her first senior World Cup competition after having played in two U19 Women’s T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2025.
Notably absent from the squad is former captain Dane van Neikerk, despite her recent reversal of retirement. It was anticipated that Neikerk might not make it to the squad even though she was part of the pre-tournament camp.
The squad will be led by Laura Wolvaardt and features seasoned players such as Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka.
South Africa is set to face England in their tournament opener in Guwahati on October 3, while a much-anticipated match against tournament hosts India is slated for October 9 in Visakhapatnam.
Prior to the World Cup, this same team will engage in a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Lahore, taking place on September 16, 19, and 22.
Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase.
Travelling reserve: Miane Smit.
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