As the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England approaches, South Africa has secured a major boost to its title bid with a surprising squad announcement: 37-year-old fast bowling legend Shabnim Ismail has reversed her decision to retire from international cricket and earned a spot on the Proteas roster. One of the fastest female bowlers to ever compete in the sport, Ismail holds South Africa’s all-time record for most wickets in women’s T20 international cricket, with 123 wickets at a stellar average of just 18.62. Notably, she has not appeared in an international fixture for more than three years ahead of this comeback.
Ismail is far from the only high-profile returnee joining the South African squad this year. All-rounder Dane van Niekerk, who ended her own retirement just 12 months ago, has also been selected for the tournament after overcoming a recent calf injury. Veteran opening bowler Marizanne Kapp, meanwhile, has been cleared for inclusion after fully recovering from an unreported illness that had put her participation in doubt.
South Africa enters the tournament as one of the form teams in global women’s cricket, having finished as runners-up in both of the previous two editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Most recently, the side notched a confidence-boosting 4-1 series victory over ODI world champions India, cementing their status as legitimate title contenders this summer. Their tournament campaign gets underway on 13 June, with a challenging opening match against defending champions Australia, followed by group stage fixtures against Pakistan, India, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh.
Mandla Mashimbyi, head coach of the Proteas women’s team, highlighted the unique impact Ismail’s comeback will have on the squad. “Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group,” he said. “We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special.”
The full 15-player South African squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, and Dane van Niekerk.