South Africa has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka later this month, and a fresh face has caught the eye: 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso. This marks Meso's maiden call-up to the senior World Cup squad.
Meso made her senior international debut in March of this year against Sri Lanka and has since played two ODIs and five T20Is. Despite her limited experience at the highest level, she has shown promising signs, leading to her inclusion in the World Cup squad. Prior to her senior debut, Meso participated in two Under-19 Women's T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2025.
Laura Wolvaardt will captain the South African side, which includes experienced players such as Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, and Ayabonga Khaka. However, former captain Dane van Niekerk was left out of the squad despite reversing her decision to retire and participating in the pre-tournament training camp.
The inclusion of Meso is viewed as an investment in the future of the team. However, the team's immediate goal is to make a strong push for the World Cup title. South Africa has reached the semi-finals of multiple global tournaments but has yet to win a major trophy in women's cricket.
According to Female Cricket, Meso was drafted in as the wicketkeeper-batter to fill the void left by Chetty's retirement. Since debuting against India in April 2025, she has had a quiet start with 16 runs in two innings. Her promise lies not only in her batting but also in her agility behind the stumps.
The South Africa squad also sees six new names since 2022: Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Karabo Meso, Nondumiso Shangase, and reserve Miane Smit.
The squad balances youth and experience, with seasoned players expected to guide Meso and other young players through the tournament. The selectors have also retained several all-round options to provide flexibility in the Indian and Sri Lankan conditions. Along with Meso, off-spin bowling all-rounder Nondumiso Shangase will feature in her first World Cup, after being recalled to South Africa's squad in May. Top-order batter Anneke Bosch and all-rounders Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen have been named in the team for the ODI World Cup for the first time but have played in the T20 World Cup squads.
South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign on October 3 against England in Guwahati. They will also face a high-profile match against hosts India in Visakhapatnam on October 9. Before the tournament, the Proteas will play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Lahore on September 16, 19, and 22. Cricket South Africa officials said the series would serve as vital match practice and an opportunity to fine-tune combinations before the World Cup.
South Africa's Squad for the Women's ODI World Cup 2025:
