Picture credit: ProteasWomenCSA/X
The South Africa U19 Women’s Cricket team is gearing up for a momentous opener against New Zealand at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia, where they aim to showcase their skills on the prestigious world stage.
As they prepare for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, the excitement is palpable among the players and their supporters back home.
Captain Kayla Reyneke expressed a blend of emotions as her team readies itself for the tournament, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and teamwork that have been pivotal to their preparations.
Speaking via Cricket South Africa, Reyneke noted, “We have a number of elements we need to work on going into the World Cup, there’s still improvements to be made and we will take the wins and build on them.”
The captain’s enthusiasm resonates through the squad, which has spent several months bonding both on and off the field.
“The team has been with each other for a few months, playing together and spending so much time as a team. We celebrate together, and we get along nicely both on and off the field. We are a solid unit,” she added, underscoring the strong spirit that characterises their preparation.
More than just pursuing victory, Reyneke articulated a broader goal for the team: to inspire young girls across South Africa.
“Our goal is to inspire young girls, and for them to know that they have access to the sport. It sounds so cliché, but it’s so simple. Cricket is a hard sport, but if you love it, you’ll wake up every day wanting to work hard and excel in the game,” said Reyneke
As the tournament unfolds, a total of 41 matches will take place, with emerging talents from around the globe clashing in a format designed to thrill fans and further develop cricket.
The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, with points carried over into this next round, ensuring that every match holds critical importance.
As the South Africa U19 Women’s team steps onto the field, they not only play for victory, but aim to inspire a generation of female cricketers, proving that determination and teamwork can lead to greatness.
SA U19 Women fixtures for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (All times CAT)
Monday, 13 January at 8.30am: 1st Warm-Up: SA vs Ireland (Selangor Turf Club, Kaula Lumpur) – match abandoned.
Wednesday, 15 January at 8.30am: 2nd Warm-Up: India vs SA (YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi) India won by 6 wickets (DLS method)
Saturday, 18 January at 8.30am: New Zealand vs South Africa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Monday, 20 January at 8.30am: South Africa vs Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Wednesday, 22 January at 8.30am: South Africa vs Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Saturday to Wednesday, 25 to 29 January: Super Six Stage
Friday, 31 January at 4.30am: 1st Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Friday, 31 January at 8.30am: 2nd Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Sunday, 2 February at 8.30am: Final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
South Africa U19 Women Squad: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January – 02 February)
Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).