Macheke earns maiden call-up for T20I series against India

Tebogo Macheke has earned her maiden international call-up as South Africa Women named a largely unchanged 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against India at home, scheduled from April 17 to 27. The Titans wicketkeeper-batter replaces the injured Karabo Meso, while bowling all-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx returns to the side in place of seamer Masabata Klaas.

Laura Wolvaardt will continue to lead the team in the series which serves as a prep ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England. Anneke Bosch retains her place after stepping in during the New Zealand tour, while experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp remains unavailable as she continues her rehabilitation from illness.

Cricket South Africa also confirmed a transition within the Proteas Women's coaching staff. Batting coach Baakier Abrahams, fielding coach Bongani Ndaba and Strength and Conditioning coach Zane Webster will depart at the end of the 2025-26 season. They will be replaced on an interim basis by strength and conditioning coach Tumi Masekela, Andrew Puttick as batting coach, and Mduduzi Mbhatha as fielding coach.

South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune and Chloe Tryon.

The matches against India come close on the heels of South Africa's 1-4 defeat in the T20Is against New Zealand and a 1-2 loss in the ODIs.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said: "It is a quick turnaround, for sure, but a T20I series against India at home will always be special. The group remains largely the same for this tour. We are excited to welcome Eliz-Mari and Tebogo to the group, and we are looking forward to seeing how they contribute to the team as we continue the journey towards the T20 World Cup."

Clinton du Preez, the convener of selectors, said: "With the T20 World Cup around the corner, the team enters a crucial phase in their preparations. Maintaining a core group of players at this stage is essential. The inclusion of Eliz-Mari Marx is an adjustment to the balance of the squad. Tebogo Macheke has shown consistency and ability at domestic and Emerging level over the years and has earned this opportunity."

CSA Director of National Teams and High Performance Enoch Nkwe said: "We thank Baakier, Bongani and Zane for their valuable contributions. We are equally pleased to welcome Tumi, Andrew and Mduduzi, as we continue to strengthen the environment."

Series Schedule:

• 1st T20I: April 17, Durban
• 2nd T20I: April 19, Durban
• 3rd T20I: April 22, Johannesburg
• 4th T20I: April 25, Johannesburg
• 5th T20I: April 27, Benoni