Women's T20 World Cup 2026: 'Experience counts for a lot' - Laura Wolvaardt highlights South Africa's depth

South Africa women’s skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, has spoken in high praise regarding the vast experience in her squad ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England & Wales.

Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka, Dane van Niekerk, Nadine de Klerk, the returning Shabnim Ismail and Wolvaardt herself are the eight players in the squad who featured in the 2017 ODI World Cup, the last major Women’s Tournament held in England and Wales.

“Having eight players in the squad who were part of that 2017 World Cup is definitely valuable for us. Experience counts for a lot in tournaments like these, especially when you come up against pressure situations or difficult moments during the competition," Wolvaardt wrote in her column for the ICC.

"Players like Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka and Dane van Niekerk have been through so much international cricket and bring a lot of calmness and leadership to the group," she added.

Fast-bowler Ismail, who retired in 2023 from international cricket, reversed her retirement and was named in the squad for the marquee tournament, as the Proteas look to undo the heartbreak of the previous three ICC tournaments, where they lost in the finals. 

Wolvaardt spoke of the excitement at having the veteran pacer back in the squad and how her skill and experience would be vital in the team, making the push for the trophy. Ismail has picked up over 300 wickets in international cricket, of which 123 scalps have come in 113 T20I matches.

"And then, of course, having Shabnim Ismail back is very exciting for us. Everyone knows the quality and experience she brings. She's one of the best fast bowlers in the world and someone who can change a game very quickly," she said.

"Beyond her skill, she also brings a level of gees (Afrikaans word for vibe) to the group, and I know the team is really happy to have her back in Proteas colours again, to hopefully help us go that one step further and lift the trophy," she added.

South Africa start their T20 World Cup campaign against Australia in Old Trafford on June 13. They will be in Group 1 alongside India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. They made the finals of the last three ICC tournaments but lost all of those, and will be looking to cross that hurdle on this occasion.