Nine years on, experienced Proteas return to England for World Cup

Proteas Women Set for England Return in 2026 T20 World Cup

The Proteas women's cricket team heads back to England and Wales for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, which starts later this month. Captain Laura Wolvaardt leads an experienced group that draws strength from past campaigns on the same soil.

Wolvaardt Reflects on Her 2017 Debut in England

Wolvaardt first featured in a major tournament at the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup in England at age 18, after debuting for the Proteas at 16 in early 2016. She scored 71 against Australia and an unbeaten 48 against Sri Lanka that year, helping the side reach the semifinals before a loss to the hosts England.

Eight Veterans Bring 2017 Experience to 2026 Squad

Eight members of the current Proteas squad also played in the 2017 50-over edition. Wolvaardt highlighted how this shared history strengthens the team, noting the value of players who understand high-stakes tournaments.

Key Players Anchor the Experienced Core

The group includes Suné Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka and Dané van Niekerk. Fast bowler Shabnim Ismail returns to the squad and is viewed as one of the best in the world, adding skill and gees that lifts the entire group.

South African Women's Cricket Shows Clear Growth Since 2017

Wolvaardt pointed to the progress in local support and belief from the public, which has changed significantly. The Proteas have reached the past three World Cup finals across T20 and 50-over formats yet still chase their first major trophy, with the current squad more confident and settled.

Wolvaardt on Team Confidence and Future Ambitions

In her words, the side has gained experience through consistent international cricket against top teams. She described the group as having a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete and win at this level consistently, with the return to England almost a decade later feeling quite crazy yet motivating.