South Africa Women have handed a maiden ODI call-up to promising all-rounder Kayla Reyneke for their upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand next month. The 20-year-old’s inclusion headlines a 15-member squad that will compete in five T20Is and three ODIs during a nearly three-week tour, with the 50-over matches forming part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Captain will lead the side, which blends youth and experience as the Proteas aim to build momentum in challenging overseas conditions.
Kayla Reyneke’s rapid rise rewarded
Reyneke’s selection comes on the back of a memorable T20I debut against Pakistan earlier this month. The offspin-bowling allrounder made an immediate impact, returning impressive figures of 2 for 13 from her four overs in the opening match of the series. Not content with that, she also played a fearless unbeaten knock of 29 off just 16 deliveries to guide South Africa home in a tense chase.
Her match-winning performance earned her the Player of the Match award and marked her as one of the brightest emerging talents in the setup. The selectors have now shown faith in her ability to transition into the 50-over format, where her dual skills could prove vital in New Zealand’s seam-friendly conditions.
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Key absences and important returns
While Reyneke celebrates a career milestone, the squad will travel without senior all-rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp fell ill during the third T20I against Pakistan and has since been sidelined. She will continue her rehabilitation and is expected to begin her return-to-play protocol ahead of South Africa’s future tours once her recovery is complete.
However, there is encouraging news for the Proteas with the return of experienced campaigners Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas and Dané van Niekerk to the ODI side after missing the Pakistan series. Their inclusion bolsters both the bowling attack and the leadership depth within the squad.
Van Niekerk’s comeback, in particular, adds valuable experience to the middle order and offers another spin option, while Khaka and Klaas strengthen the pace unit that will be tested on New Zealand’s lively pitches.
The five-match T20I series will be played as double-headers alongside the men’s fixtures between March 15 and 25. Matches are scheduled in Mount Maunganui, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, promising strong crowds and competitive cricket. Following the T20Is, the focus will shift to the three ODIs on March 29 in Christchurch, and April 1 and 4 in Wellington. With ICC Women’s Championship points at stake, the 50-over leg of the tour carries significant importance for World Cup qualification standings.
South Africa Women squad for New Zealand series: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dané van Niekerk.
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