Tebogo Macheke Debuts as South Africa Women Squad Named for India T20I Series

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa has announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming South Africa T20I series against India, scheduled to be played from April 17 to 27. The series will serve as the team’s final assignment before the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in June.

Wicketkeeper-batter Tebogo Macheke has received her maiden call-up, coming into the squad as a replacement for the injured Karabo Meso. Moreover, ICC has announced a record-breaking prize pool of US$8.7 million for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The selectors have also brought back all-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx, while seamer Masabata Klaas misses out on the squad for this series.

Experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp remains unavailable as she continues her recovery from illness. The rest of the group largely mirrors the squad that toured New Zealand earlier, with top-order batter Anneke Bosch retaining her place after stepping in during that series.

Focus on World Cup Preparation

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi described the series as an important step in the team’s build-up to the global tournament, despite the limited turnaround time.

"It is a quick turnaround, for sure, but a T20I series against India at home will always be special.

"The group remains largely the same for this tour. While we have learnt a lot about ourselves as a team on the recent trip to New Zealand, we are also very excited to get back on the field and express our eagerness to grow and improve with every game and training session.

"As a team, we are always looking to evolve, and the introduction of new voices brings fresh perspective and renewed energy to the group. This next phase gives us an opportunity to challenge ourselves further as we continue our preparations towards the World Cup."

SA Women T20I Squad for India Series

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune and Chloe Tryon.

South Africa women will use the series to fine-tune combinations ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.