Regular skipper Laura Wolvaardt will lead the side for the five-match series, scheduled to be played entirely at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from September 11 to 19. With several senior stars away participating in global franchise leagues and domestic competitions, the selectors have opted to test their bench strength and next generation players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 15-member squad features a raft of players who missed out on the recently concluded ICC Women\u2019s T20 World Cup in England, including reigning domestic T20 Player of the Year Faye Tunnicliffe, who\u2019s included alongside Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, and Mian\u00e9 Smit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Experience comes in the squad in the form of wicketkeeper-batters Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso, alongside all-rounders Kayla Reyneke and Annerie Dercksen. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi highlighted the significance of the historic tour while framing it as a critical building block for future global events.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe tour to Zimbabwe is an exciting one for a few reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, we\u2019re preparing for our first trip as a team to our African neighbours, which is something very special to be a part of. I would also like to thank Zimbabwe for welcoming us to their nation,\u201d he said in a statement on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Explaining the youth-centric selection policy, Mashimbyi noted that the absence of established senior players creates a golden opportunity for pipeline performers. \u201cAnother reason to be excited about these T20Is is the young group we will be taking to Bulawayo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWith a number of players away representing South Africa in franchise leagues across the world, we saw it fitting to select a young and ambitious squad and provide international opportunities to notable performers within the pipeline and pathway structure to the Proteas,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Focusing on the three uncapped prospects Caitlin, Nthabiseng and Luyanda, who impressed during the SA Emerging team's tour against Bangladesh Emerging side, Mashimbayi expressed eager anticipation for their debut on the international stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNini, Nzuza and Wyngaard are youngsters whose development we\u2019ve kept a close eye on over the last 12-18 months, and I can\u2019t wait to see what they will bring to the international stage,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the ICC Women\u2019s Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year, Mashimbyi stated the strategic importance of the five matches in Bulawayo alongside the upcoming home series against India, to be held in December this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis tour will also play an important role on the road to the ICC Women\u2019s Champions Trophy in February next year. We have around eight matches to fine-tune our plans for that competition, if you include the India T20Is in December, which adds another dimension to the trip to Zimbabwe.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the ICC Women\u2019s Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year, Mashimbyi stated the strategic importance of the five matches in Bulawayo alongside the upcoming home series against India, to be held in December this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa T20I Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase, Mian\u00e9 Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Caitlin Wyngaard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n