South Africa have included experienced fast bowler Shabnim Ismail in their 15-man squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the 37-year-old withdrawing her international retirement ahead of the major tournament in England and Wales.

Ismail, one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in women’s cricket, retired from international cricket in 2023 but Now he has declared himself available for the World Cup Proteas is trying to end years of failure on the global stage. South Africa have finished as runners-up in the last two editions of the tournament, including the 2023 final on home soil where they lost to Australia.

The experienced fast bowler remains South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is. She has taken 123 wickets in 113 T20Is and is expected to strengthen a pace attack that already includes Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka.

Laura Wolvaardt will captain the team for the second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup. The opener, who is currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I Batsmen Rankings, leads an established core that also includes Tazmin Britts, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and former captain Dane van Niekerk.

Kapp has returned after recovering from illness, while Van Niekerk continues his comeback after reversing his retirement last year. Wicketkeeper-batsman Carabo Maceo has also been included after recovering from a wrist injury.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbi said Ismail’s return could prove decisive for South Africa’s campaign.

“Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot to the value of the group,” Mashimbi said in a CSA release. “We had a good chat and you can see he’s still hungry to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We’re also delighted to have players like Marizanne, Dan and Carabo available again.

“Every team goes with the intention of winning the World Cup, and we are no different, but for us it’s about staying in love with the process, focusing on one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament goes on.”

South Africa Women’s coordinator of selectors, Clinton du Preez, said that consistency and experience were the major factors behind the selection of the team.

“It was important for us to keep the core members of the group together as this is a squad that has built strong experience, cohesion and understanding over time,” Du Preez said.

“At the same time, we also looked at areas where we felt additional experience and impactful options could strengthen the team, especially in the high-pressure moments that often decide tournaments of this nature.”

The squad also includes rising all-rounder Kayla Reineke, who captained South Africa at Under-19 level and is set to feature in her first senior ICC event.

South Africa will begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Australia on June 13 in Manchester.

South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Britts, Nadine de Klerk, Annery Derksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Maso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reineke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.

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