Rising allrounder Annerie Dercksen has been awarded her first national contract for South Africa after an impressive year that saw her named the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024. She is among the 15 players selected for the 2025-26 season, with Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker missing out from last year’s contracted group.
Dercksen’s Rise and Squad Composition
Dercksen’s promotion comes as she has established herself as a key player across all formats, regularly featuring in the playing XI. In contrast, Goodall and Tucker have struggled to cement their places in the first-choice squad, leading to their exclusion.
The contracted squad retains a strong core of experienced players, including captain Laura Wolvaardt, former skipper Suné Luus, and seasoned allrounders Chloé Tryon and Nadine de Klerk. Other notable names include Anneke Bosch, seamer Ayabonga Khaka, and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
A major boost for South Africa is the continued presence of veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp, who had considered retirement last year. While she is believed to be targeting the upcoming ODI World Cup as her potential farewell, there is speculation that she may also stay on for the T20 World Cup in 15 months.
Selection Consistency and Concerns for the Future
While the squad reflects stability, the absence of new faces raises concerns about the next generation of South African cricket. Notably, young wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso, who has already made her senior debut, was not awarded a contract despite being named both Batter of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded SA20 Schools competition.
However, Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, emphasized that the squad selection is a reward for consistent performances. “The continuity in the squad recognizes the team’s outstanding achievement in reaching a second consecutive World Cup final, highlighting CSA’s commitment to rewarding consistent performance and building on recent success,” Nkwe stated. “As we prepare for a pivotal year with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, this squad offers the right balance of experience and youthful energy. We believe this group is well-equipped to compete at the highest level and continue making the country proud.”
South Africa’s Upcoming Fixtures
The South African women’s team has been on a break since December 2024, following a home series against England in which they won just one of seven matches across all formats. They will return to action in April 2025 with a tri-series in Sri Lanka that includes India, serving as preparation for the ODI World Cup. Following that, they will tour the West Indies in June for a series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is.
South Africa’s 2025-26 Contracted Squad
- Anneke Bosch
- Tazmin Brits
- Nadine de Klerk
- Annerie Dercksen
- Ayanda Hlubi
- Sinalo Jafta
- Marizanne Kapp
- Ayabonga Khaka
- Masabata Klaas
- Suné Luus
- Eliz-Mari Marx
- Nonkululeko Mlaba
- Tumi Sekhukhune
- Chloé Tryon
- Laura Wolvaardt (Captain)
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, South Africa will be aiming for a strong showing in the upcoming international tournaments.
