Zimbabwe
Wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta has been ruled out of South Africa’s upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after suffering a hamstring strain during pre-tour physical testing, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Thursday.
Jafta’s injury has opened the door for Western Province wicketkeeper-batter Jae-Leigh Filander, who has received her maiden senior international call-up. The former South Africa Under-19 player will join the Proteas Women squad in Tshwane before the team departs for Bulawayo on Monday.
The tour will be led by regular captain Laura Wolvaardt and marks South Africa’s first T20I series against neighbours Zimbabwe. The Proteas have named a largely refreshed squad, with several established players rested following the recent World Cup campaign.
Among those absent are Marizanne Kapp, Dané van Niekerk, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tazmin Brits, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail.
The squad also features three uncapped players: seamer Caitlin Wyngaard, former South Africa Under-19 pacer Nthabiseng Nini and off-spinner Luyanda Nzuza. All three impressed for the South Africa Emerging Women’s side during recent matches against Bangladesh Emerging.
Several returning players, including Faye Tunnicliffe, Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase and Miané Smit, will get another opportunity after missing the T20 World Cup.
All five matches will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, beginning September 11. The remaining games are scheduled for September 13, 15, 17 and 19, giving South Africa an important opportunity to test its emerging talent and build depth ahead of future international assignments there.
