South Africa Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt has praised 18-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, who has been selected for both the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan.
Naidu, who previously represented South Africa in the 2023 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with five wickets in five matches, has also been part of the South African Emerging Women’s squad at the Africa Games in Ghana earlier this year. She is poised to make her T20I debut in the series against Pakistan starting on September 16.
Wolvaardt expressed enthusiasm about Naidu’s potential as the team prepares for the World Cup in the UAE. “She’s a very exciting young player. It would be fantastic if she gets a game, especially as we look ahead to the T20 World Cup, depending on the conditions and how spin plays,” Wolvaardt said at the pre-series press conference, as reported by ICC. “Having faced her in the nets, I’ve seen she has good control for such a young leg-spinner. It would be great for her to gain international experience before the World Cup.”
Wolvaardt also noted that the T20I series against Pakistan will be crucial for finalising their playing XI for the World Cup. Alongside Naidu, 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi is another uncapped player who could make her debut in the series.
The captain emphasised the importance of giving young players ample game time to adapt and gain experience. “We are quite close to finalising the World Cup XI. With a few new faces in the squad, it’s important for these younger players to show what they can offer, particularly in spin conditions,” Wolvaardt commented. “The selection of the squad considers the sub-continent conditions, and while it depends on the opposition and venue, we’re getting close to finalising our side.”
South Africa is in Group B for the Women’s T20 World Cup, alongside Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and the West Indies. Their campaign begins on October 4 against the Windies, followed by matches against England (October 7), Scotland (October 9), and Bangladesh (October 12).