Author: csa

DURBAN: The South Africa Under-19 Women have enjoyed a perfect start to the ongoing Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe Under-19 Women and the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Youth XI, currently taking place in Durban.

Among the next wave of future stars preparing for next year’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal is 13-year-old KwaZulu-Natal Coastal batter Nobubelebesisa Zwane.

Competing alongside and against players aged between 16 and 20, the youngster earned her maiden SA U19 call-up following impressive performances at the recent CSA Under-13 Girls Week, held in Johannesburg last month.

Zwane registered 206 runs in five T20 matches, including back-to-back half-centuries as captain of the KwaZulu-Natal Under-13 side, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer. During the Tri-Series in Durban, the right-hander was selected for the opening match against Zimbabwe and came to the crease late in the innings, scoring an unbeaten seven.

Despite her young age, Zwane recalls her early introduction to the game. Born on 16 April 2012, she grew up in a family of six in Richards Bay, where her cricket journey began.

“I started playing cricket when I was seven, but then it became a priority when I was 11, when I made my first KZN team. I also think I continued cricket because people saw potential in me. I didn’t at first, but when I continued, it was going well,” Zwane commented.

Known as “Nobe” among friends and family, Zwane is a former pupil of Grantleigh Primary School, where she represented the school in cricket, netball, hockey, football and swimming. She earned district and provincial honours in all these sports except swimming, in which she competes in galas at club level. Zwane credits both her family and her school environment for supporting her development as both an athlete and a student.

“I would say my mother and sister because they helped a lot in every single thing I do, like other sports, school, etc. I really appreciate them. Since I go to school at Grantleigh, I think it has been quite helpful with my education and my sports,” she added.

While Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt is her favourite cricketer of all time, admired for her batting ability and leadership, Zwane also looks up to SA U19 teammates Ashleigh van Wyk and Karabo Meso, hoping to learn from their experience and temperament.

Reflecting on her first experience touring with the junior national side and her aspirations moving forward, Zwane highlighted the importance of humility and continuous learning.

“I just look forward to meeting professional cricket players and just learning a lot from them and hearing about their experiences and about how they went through with it all. During my first tour with the under-19s, ⁠I’ve learnt that the only way to be a great cricketer is to be humble and disciplined.

“So, my goals for 2026 are to train harder, gym more, and speak up more when spoken to,” she concluded.

SA U19 Women Squad

Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Karabo Meso (Central Gauteng Lions), Anelisa Mhlongo (KZN Coastal), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Shreeya Subbiah (KZN Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Cayleigh Wanckel (Eastern Province), Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KZN Coastal)

 

SA U19 Women’s Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe U19 Women and CSA Youth XI

 

1st T20 – SA U19 won by 31 runs

SA U19: 135/4 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 35, K. Meso 29; B. Maposa 1/32, S. Maseka 1/30

Zimbabwe U19: 104/8 after 20 overs; R. Mpofu 15, L. Pemhiwa 14; M. Lalor 2/13, Z. Mohanlall 2/18

 

2nd T20 – SA U19 won by 11 runs

SA U19: 78/6 after 10 overs; K. Meso 36, M. van Voorst 23; N. Nini 4/15, J. Campher 1/7

CSA Youth XI: 67/3 after 10 overs; J. Botha 24, C. Venter 18; C. Wanckel 1/17, S. Mukhari 1/3

 

3rd T20 – SA U19 won by 20 runs

SA U19: 152/5 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 56, M. Lalor 45; N. Nini 2/31, B. Goosen 1/33

CSA Youth XI: 132/7 after 20 overs; C. Venter 45, D. van Rensburg 24; C. Wanckel 1/22, M. Lalor 1/23

 

4th T20 – CSA Youth XI won by 18 runs

CSA Youth XI: 134/7 after 20 overs; J. Campher 37, G. Sequira 22, T. Garutsa 2/14, C. Mutasa 1/24

Zimbabwe U19: 116/8 after 20 overs; M. Zinyama 41, N. Makanhiwa 24; J. Camphor 3/15, P. Sekhuthe 2/18

 

5th T20 – SA U19 won by 5 wickets

Zimbabwe U19: 95 all out after 20 overs; M. Zinyama 23, C. Mutasa 12; Z. Mohanlall 3/12, M. van der Merwe 3/12

SA U19: 96/5 after 14.2 overs; M. van Voorst 45, M. Lalor 16; S. Museka 3/22, B Maposa 1/11

 

Friday, 16 January  – 6th Youth T20 at 13h00 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

 

Sunday, 18 January – Youth T20 Tri-Series Final at 13h00 – TBC (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

DURBAN: The South Africa under-19 Women maintained their perfect record in the Youth T20 Tri-Series, securing their fourth consecutive victory with a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe under-19 Women in the fifth match at the Chatsworth Oval in Durban on Thursday.

Melissa van der Merwe and Ziya Mohanlall led a dominant bowling performance with returns of three for 12 as the home side bowled out the tourists for 95 in the allotted 20 overs before Mieke van Voorst top-scored with a 40-ball 45 (6 fours) to help the SA U19s complete the chase with 34 balls to spare.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Zimbabwe lost opener Nicollette Nyika (0) with just one run on the board. Christina Mutasa (12) and Nokutenda Makanhiwa (12) steadied the ship with a 30-run stand before Mohanlall picked up her first wicket of the day, removing Mutasa.

The second wicket quickly brought the third and fourth for South Africa, as van der Merwe cleaned out Makanhiwa and Lorraine Pemhiwa (1) in the seventh over to leave Zimbabwe 35/4.

A 27-run partnership between Tadiwa Garutsa (9) and Makanaka Zinyama (23) propelled the Zimbabweans to 62/4 in the 13th over before the South African bowlers took control of the innings, picking up wickets at regular intervals.

Wickets from Ashleigh van Wyk (1/10), Mohanlall, Van der Merwe and Miya Lalor (1/10), along with a run-out, ensured Zimbabwe were bowled out for 95 at the end of their 20 overs.

In their chase, the SA U19 Women got off to a positive start at the crease. The opening pair of van Voorst and Lalor raced to 33/0 in the fourth over before their stand was brought to an end by Buhlebenkosi Maposa (1/11) when she dismissed Lalor.

That scalp was quickly followed by two wickets in one over from Salem Maseka (3/22), getting the better of Shreeya Subbiah and Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout before both batters got off the mark, to see South Africa reduced to 41/3 within the powerplay.

With Zimbabwe’s tails up in the field, the SA U19s had the experienced duo of van Voorst and Karabo Meso (14*) to thank for calming the hosts’ nerves as they teamed up for a 39-run stand to take their side to 80/3 in the 12th over.

Although Museka eventually removed Van Voorst, five runs short of her second half-century of the series, and Vanessa Mayedza (1/15) dismissed Jae-Leigh Filander (3), the SA U19 Women calmly crossed the line to seal the win and preserve their unbeaten run.

The final round-robin match of the Youth T20 Tri-Series will take place on Friday, 16 January, when the Cricket South Africa Youth XI face Zimbabwe Under-19 Women at Chatsworth Oval from 13h00. The match will be streamed live on Cricket South Africa’s YouTube channel.

SA U19 Women Squad

Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Karabo Meso (Central Gauteng Lions), Anelisa Mhlongo (KZN Coastal), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Shreeya Subbiah (KZN Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Cayleigh Wanckel (Eastern Province), Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KZN Coastal)

SA U19 Women’s Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe U19 Women and CSA Youth XI

1st T20 – SA U19 won by 31 runs

SA U19: 135/4 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 35, K. Meso 29; B. Maposa 1/32, S. Maseka 1/30

Zimbabwe U19: 104/8 after 20 overs; R. Mpofu 15, L. Pemhiwa 14; M. Lalor 2/13, Z. Mohanlall 2/18

 

2nd T20 – SA U19 won by 11 runs

SA U19: 78/6 after 10 overs; K. Meso 36, M. van Voorst 23; N. Nini 4/15, J. Campher 1/7

CSA Youth XI: 67/3 after 10 overs; J. Botha 24, C. Venter 18; C. Wanckel 1/17, S. Mukhari 1/3

 

3rd T20 – SA U19 won by 20 runs

SA U19: 152/5 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 56, M. Lalor 45; N. Nini 2/31, B. Goosen 1/33

CSA Youth XI: 132/7 after 20 overs; C. Venter 45, D. van Rensburg 24; C. Wanckel 1/22, M. Lalor 1/23

 

4th T20 – CSA Youth XI won by 18 runs

CSA Youth XI: 134/7 after 20 overs; J. Campher 37, G. Sequira 22, T. Garutsa 2/14, C. Mutasa 1/24

Zimbabwe U19: 116/8 after 20 overs; M. Zinyama 41, N. Makanhiwa 24; J. Camphor 3/15, P. Sekhuthe 2/18

 

5th T20 – SA U19 won by 5 wickets

Zimbabwe U19: 95 all out after 20 overs; M. Zinyama 23, C. Mutasa 12; Z. Mohanlall 3/12, M. van der Merwe 3/12

SA U19: 96/5 after 14.2 overs; M. van Voorst 45, M. Lalor 16; S. Museka 3/22, B Maposa 1/11

 

Friday, 16 January  – 6th Youth T20 at 13h00 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

 

Sunday, 18 January – Youth T20 Tri-Series Final at 13h00 – TBC (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

WINDHOEK: South Africa u19 Men‘s head coach, Malibongwe Maketa, has expressed unwavering belief in his squad as they prepare to take on the world at the ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, in Namibia and Zimbabwe.

South Africa, drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Tanzania, and the West Indies, will be based in Windhoek, Namibia, for all group stage matches, with the later knockout rounds set to take place in Zimbabwe.

Maketa emphasised that the squad was meticulously selected following extensive observation and performance tracking across national programmes.

“This group of Junior Proteas has been preparing for this moment for the last two years, identified through Cricket South Africa‘s (CSA) pathway structures and further developed through multiple camps and Youth Series,” Maketa explained.

He highlighted the players’ ability to balance academic commitments and cricket, noting that JJ Basson, Michael Kruiskamp, and Jason Rowles will be starting matric in 2026.

Maketa also noted that the squad reflects the strength and reach of CSA’s national pathways system, which continues to discover and develop talent from across the country, including township schools and under-resourced communities.

“Having worked with these players for an extended period, we’ve been able to monitor their progress through camps and assess their performances at Khaya Majola and Cubs Week. Through this, we believe we’ve identified the right characters to perform under the pressures of a World Cup.

“This team is a testament to the effectiveness of our pathway. All of these players have developed through a structured system where they were identified early and given opportunities, benefiting from excellent facilities and coaching through the Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP) monitoring the provinces.

Maketa said that age is no barrier to belief or ambition: “Our players may be young in years, but their maturity, discipline, and commitment to each other stand beyond their age. We don’t see them as just juniors; we see them as competitors ready to carry the hopes of a nation.”

Looking ahead to the tournament, Maketa urged South Africans to rally behind a team that embodies both the present and future of the sport.

“I’d like South Africans to understand that this team represents the future of our game. These players, though young, are committed, disciplined, and deeply proud to represent their country. They’ve earned their place through hard work and sacrifice, and they will compete with courage and humility,” Maketa concluded.

South Africa u19 Squad: ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026

JJ Basson(Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (SWD), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans), Jason Rowles (Lions), Ntandoyenkosi Soni (Eastern Province), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

SA u19 Men Fixtures:  ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (15 January – 6 February – all matches start at 09:30)

Friday, 16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

Monday, 19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek

Thursday, 22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

Tuesday, 3 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Wednesday, 4 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 0 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

DURBAN: Jezé Campher produced an outstanding all-round performance to guide the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Youth XI to an 18-run victory over Zimbabwe Under-19 Women in the fourth match of the Youth T20 Tri-Series at the Chatsworth Oval in Durban on Tuesday.

Campher top-scored with a solid 37 off 25 balls to lead the invitational side to 134/7 in their 20 overs before starring with ball in hand, picking up impressive figures of three for 15 in her two overs to restrict Zimbabwe to 116/8, despite Makanaka Zinyama’s best efforts which comprised of a 29-ball 41*.

The CSA Youth XI won the toss and elected to bat first, making a controlled start through openers Chanel Venter (6) and Campher. The pair raced to a 36-run opening stand inside four overs before Christina Mutasa (1/24) broke the partnership by dismissing Venter.

Campher continued to anchor the innings alongside Jemma Botha (19), with the pair adding 23 runs for the second wicket. However, just as the hosts looked to accelerate, Zimbabwe struck back through Tadiwa Garutsa (2/14) and Vanessa Mayedza (1/26). The quick dismissals of Campher, Botha and Oluhle Siyo (0) saw the Youth XI reduced to 74/4 after 12 overs.

Despite further breakthroughs from the Zimbabwe bowlers in the latter stages, valuable contributions from Maria van der Vyfer (16), Siphokuhle Masilela (15) and Gabriella Sequira (22) ensured the CSA Youth XI reached a defendable total of 134/7.

In reply, Zimbabwe faced a difficult start to their chase, with the South African bowlers restricting openers Nicollette Nyika (17) and Nokutenda Makanhiwa (24) to 27 runs in the powerplay. The introduction of Puseletso Sekhuthe (2/18) proved decisive, as she bowled Makanhiwa and Lorraine Pemhiwa (0) in the space of three deliveries.

Faced with the task of not only mounting a chase, but with the pressure of upping the scoring rate, Nyika teamed up with Zinyama for a steadying partnership worth 31 runs before Campher was introduced into the attack.

The all-rounder picked up three wickets in the 14th over, dismissing Nyika, Mutasa (2) and Garutsa (0) to leave the Zimbabweans reeling on 69/5.

That collapse marked the beginning of the end for the touring side and despite an unbeaten knock from Zinyama, the CSA Youth XI claimed three more wickets through van der Vyfer (1/10), Siyo (1/4) and Nthabiseng Nini (1/13) to restrict Zimbabwe to 116/8 and seal an 18-run triumph.

The next Youth T20 Tri-Series match will take place on Thursday, 15 January between the SA U19 Women and their Zimbabwean counterparts. All the action will be streamed live on CSA’s YouTube page from 13h00.

CSA Youth XI Squad

Jemma Botha (Western Province), Jezé Campher (Garden Route Badgers), Bruzaan Goosen (Eastern Storm), Simone Lourens (Titans), Siphokuhle Masilela (Eastern Storm), Nthabiseng Nini (North West), Diara Ramlakan (Central Gauteng Lions), Puseletso Sekhute (North West), Gabriella Sequeira (Titans), Ashley Sibanda (Central Gauteng Lions), Oluhle Siyo (Western Province), Maria van der Vyfer (Boland), Diedre van Rensburg (North West), Chanel Venter (Titans)

SA U19 Women’s Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe U19 Women and CSA Youth XI

1st T20 – SA U19 won by 31 runs

SA U19: 135/4 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 35, K. Meso 29; B. Maposa 1/32, S. Maseka 1/30

Zimbabwe U19: 104/8 after 20 overs; R. Mpofu 15, L. Pemhiwa 14; M. Lalor 2/13, Z. Mohanlall 2/18

 

2nd T20 – SA U19 won by 11 runs

SA U19: 78/6 after 10 overs; K. Meso 36, M. van Voorst 23; N. Nini 4/15, J. Campher 1/7

CSA Youth XI: 67/3 after 10 overs; J. Botha 24, C. Venter 18; C. Wanckel 1/17, S. Mukhari 1/3

 

3rd T20 – SA U19 won by 20 runs

SA U19: 152/5 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 56, M. Lalor 45; N. Nini 2/31, B. Goosen 1/33

CSA Youth XI: 132/7 after 20 overs; C. Venter 45, D. van Rensburg 24; C. Wanckel 1/22, M. Lalor 1/23

 

4th T20 – CSA Youth XI won by 18 runs

CSA Youth XI: 134/7 after 20 overs; J. Campher 37, G. Sequira 22, T. Garutsa 2/14, C. Mutasa 1/24

Zimbabwe U19: 116/8 after 20 overs; M. Zinyama 41, N. Makanhiwa 24; J. Camphor 3/15, P. Sekhuthe 2/18

 

Thursday, 15 January – 5th Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Friday, 16 January  – 6th Youth T20 at 13h00 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Sunday, 18 January – Youth T20 Tri-Series Final at 13h00 – TBC (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

Mieke van Voorst starred with the bat as the South Africa u19 Women claimed a 20-run victory over the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Youth XI in the third match of the Youth T20 Tri-Series at the Chatsworth Oval, in Durban, on Monday afternoon.

Van Voorst struck an unbeaten 56 from 32 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes, to guide the SA u19s to a commanding 152/5 from their 20 overs. She was supported well by all-rounder Miya Lalor, who contributed 45 off 36 balls, including five boundaries.

The CSA Youth XI replied with 132/7, with Chanel Venter‘s 45 off 29 balls not enough to overcome the SA u19 team’s bowling and fielding performance.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the SA u19s lost opener Shreeya Subbiah (1) early to Nthabiseng Nini (2/31), who provided the breakthrough in the third over.

Karabo Meso (15) steadied the innings with Miya Lalor, adding 43 runs for the second wicket, but she was out with the total on 55 after 10 overs, another victim of Nini. Meso’s departure brought out Van Voorst to join Lalor in the middle.

With their tails up in the field, the CSA Youth XI struck twice more in three overs, with a run out and a scalp for Jeze Campher (1/19) removing Lalor and Ashley Barnard (3), which left the SA u19s scrambling on 77/4 in the 14th over.

South Africa regained control through an important partnership between Van Voorst and Jae-Leigh Filander (19), with the pair adding a rapid and crucial 56 runs from just 32 balls. Flander was dismissed in the 19th over by Bruzaan Goosen (1/33), which left SA u19 on 133/5 with seven balls remaining in their inning.

Van Voorst and Ashleigh van Wyk (3*) went on blast 19 more runs, with Van Voorst dispatching back-to-back boundaries to reach her half-century and push the under-19s to 152/5.

In their chase, the CSA Youth XI lost an early wicket when Cayleigh Wanckel (1/22) bowled Simoné Lourens (0) with the fourth ball of the innings.

The visitors responded well through a half-century partnership between Venter and Diedré van Rensburg (24). After Lalor (1/23) brought an end to Venter’s aggressive innings, Van Rensburg combined with Diara Ramlakan (21) in a further 41-run stand to keep the run chase alive.

With the score on 91/2 after 13 overs and the Youth XI still needing 62 runs from 42 deliveries to win, the SA u19s tightened their grip on the contest. Meso began with a run out of Ramlakan before Melissa van der Merwe (1/18) got the better of van Rensburg with the very next delivery. Another run-out followed an over later, as Jeze Campher (0) departed, leaving the CSA Youth XI reeling on 94/5.

Although Siphokuhle Masilela added a valiant 22 late on, Ashley Barnard (1/7) and Subbiah (1/8) picked up two late wickets as the Youth XI’s run pursuit lost steam and the SA u19 Women picked up a 20-run win.

Youth T20 Tri-Series action continues on Tuesday, 13 January, with the CSA Youth XI taking on Zimbabwe u19 Women. The match will be streamed live on Cricket South Africa’s YouTube channel from 13:00.

SA u19 Women Squad

Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Karabo Meso (Central Gauteng Lions), Anelisa Mhlongo (KZN Coastal), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Shreeya Subbiah (KZN Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Cayleigh Wanckel (Eastern Province), Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KZN Coastal)

SA u19 Women’s Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe U19 Women and CSA Youth XI

(All matches start at 13:00)

Friday, 9 Jan – 1st Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Saturday, 10 Jan – 2nd Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Monday, 12 Jan – 3rd Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Tuesday, 13 Jan – 4th Youth T20 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Thursday, 15 Jan – 5th Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Friday, 16 Jan – 6th Youth T20 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Sunday, 18 Jan- Youth T20 Tri-Series Final – TBC (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

In the midst of the festival of cricket taking place around the country this summer, the South Africa u19 Women are preparing to host their Zimbabwe counterparts, along with a Cricket South Africa Youth XI squad, in a Youth T20 Tri-Series in Durban from 9-18 January.

Included in the SA u19 Women’s team is promising Eastern Storm leg-spinner Ashleigh van Wyk. The 17-year-old is in the middle of her second cycle with the group, having been part of the South African side that reached the ICC Uu9 Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time last year.

One of the senior players returning to the u19 side in preparation for the 2027 World Cup, Van Wyk, who was born and raised in Alberton near Johannesburg, has enjoyed a fruitful start to her young career. She famously delivered a Player of the Match performance in the World Cup semi-final against Australia, snaring 4/17 in South Africa’s victory.

Reflecting on when the cricket bug first bit, Van Wyk credited her sports-mad family, and also many hours spent on the side of the field watching her brother play the sport that ultimately became her passion.

“I started when I was eight years old,” she recalled. “I always played hockey next to the field where my brother was playing cricket. I just decided that cricket looked more fun, so then I started playing in the yard.

“Whenever I heard the sound of a cricket ball, I was there, wanting to play, and the love for the game started and hasn’t stopped growing since.

“My whole family is into sports, and the TV is always on a sporting channel. My mum and dad are always the drivers to the games and practices for my brother and I, but also coach Adele (van Eck), who coached me at Easterns and got me into the setup from a young age,” Van Wyk explained.

After attending President Steyn Primary School, she moved on to Hoërskool Marais Viljoen. She represented the Alberton Cricket Club and Bedfordview Cricket Club before being brought into the Eastern Storm’s structures. She has since gone on to don her province’s red rose from u13 level through to the senior women’s side.

Her special talent was evident early one, leading to Van Wyk quickly progressing through the ranks to the SA u19 Women’s team in 2024, when she made 10 appearances for the national team, including in six World Cup matches during South Africa’s historic campaign in Malaysia.

“The u19 setup is a space where we can do everything, but in the right time. We laugh, we cry, we think together, and we work exceptionally hard. We have only one main goal, and it’s to make South Africa proud by bringing home that trophy in 2027,” Van Wyk said.

“To play at the u19 level is a privilege, and it’s a space where you gain experience and grow with every game you play. You truly come out of the space a different player and person,” she added.

When asked to describe her style of cricket for those yet to see her in action, Van Wyk said: “I believe I’m fearless. The way I look back on the photos of the semi-final against Australia, I’m scared of myself. I am very competitive on the field and do take my skill very seriously”

Looking ahead to the T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and the CSA Youth XI squad, the Eastern Storm vice-captain highlighted her excitement about reuniting as a group and welcoming fresh faces into the squad.

“It’s going to be the first time that I play with some of the girls, so I do look forward to getting to know them as people and playing beside them. I am also excited to face new challenges daily and to grow from them,” she enthused.

The Youth T20 Tri-Series get underway on Friday, 9 January, at the Chatsworth Oval, in Durban, with the SA u19 Women taking on Zimbabwe u19 Women. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 13:00 and the action will be streamed live on Cricket South Africa’s YouTube page.

SA u19 Women Squad

Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Karabo Meso (Central Gauteng Lions), Anelisa Mhlongo (KZN Coastal), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Shreeya Subbiah (KZN Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Cayleigh Wanckel (Eastern Province), Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KZN Coastal)

SA u19 Women’s Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe U19 Women and CSA Youth XI

(All matches start at 13:00)

Friday, 9 Jan – 1st Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Saturday, 10 Jan – 2nd Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Monday, 12 Jan – 3rd Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Tuesday, 13 Jan – 4th Youth T20 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Thursday, 15 Jan – 5th Youth T20 – SA u19 Women vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Friday, 16 Jan – 6th Youth T20 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe u19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Sunday, 18 Jan- Youth T20 Tri-Series Final – TBC (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

DURBAN: The South African under-19 Women produced a clinical display to overcome the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Youth XI by 11 runs in a shortened second match of the Youth T20 Tri-Series held at the Chatsworth Oval in Durban on Saturday.

Proteas Women wicketkeeper batter Karabo Meso top-scored for the U19s, delivering a 23-ball 36 (5 fours) to help push her side to 78/6 in 10 overs, with CSA Youth XI captain Nthabiseng Nini taking outstanding figures of four for 15 in her two overs.

In reply, the SA U19 bowlers did well to limit their opponents’ scoring options, with the invitational outfit restricted to 67/3 despite Jemma Botha’s unbeaten 24 off 22 balls (2 fours).

Following a lengthy delay to the start of the match caused by overnight rain, the second T20 was reduced to a 10-over contest. The SA U19 Women were asked to bat first and endured an early setback, slipping to 16/2 after two overs as openers Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout and Ashley Barnard were both dismissed without scoring.

The hosts recovered well through a vital 46-run partnership for the third wicket between Meso and Mieke van Voorst (23). The stand was broken in the eighth over when Meso played onto her stumps off the bowling of Jeze Campher (1/7), leaving South Africa on 62/3.

In search of a strong finish, the under-19s took on more risk in the closing stages, but Nini struck three times in the final over, dismissing Van Voorst, Ashleigh van Wyk (0) and Miya Lalor (5) for just three runs, as South Africa concluded their innings on 78/6.

Having been set a target of 79 in 60 balls for victory, the CSA Youth XI lost an early wicket when Simone Lourens (4) was bowled by Cayleigh Wanckel (1/17) with the fifth ball of the innings.

The chase suffered a further setback two overs later, as Shelfa Mukhari (1 / 3) trapped Maria van der Vyfer (4) LBW to reduce the batting side to 18/2.

Although Botha and Chanel Venter (18) combined for 24 runs for the third wicket, the required boundaries proved hard to come by for the Youth XI. The breakthrough eventually came via the bowling of Anelisa Mhlongo (1/19), removing Venter in the seventh over to leave the invitational 42/3.

Botha was then joined by Deidre van Rensburg (10*), and while the pair shared an unbroken 25-run partnership for the fourth wicket, it was not enough to overhaul the target as the SA U19 Women secured an 11-run victory.

The third fixture of the Youth T20 Tri-Series will take place on Monday, 12 January, with the CSA Youth XI going up against Zimbabwe.

The action will be streamed live on CSA’s YouTube page from 13h00.

SA U19 Women Squad

Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Karabo Meso (Central Gauteng Lions), Anelisa Mhlongo (KZN Coastal), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Shreeya Subbiah (KZN Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Cayleigh Wanckel (Eastern Province), Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KZN Coastal)

SA U19 Women’s Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe U19 Women and CSA Youth XI

Friday, 09 January – 1st Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Saturday, 10 January – 2nd Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Monday, 12 January – 3rd Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Tuesday, 13 January – 4th Youth T20 at 13h00 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Thursday, 15 January – 5th Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Friday, 16 January  – 6th Youth T20 at 13h00 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Sunday, 18 January – Youth T20 Tri-Series Final at 13h00 – TBC (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

DURBAN: The South African under-19 side recorded a comfortable 31-run triumph over Zimbabwe under-19 Women in the opening match of the Youth T20 Tri-Series that took place at the Chatsworth Oval in Durban on Friday.

The SA U19 Women posted a competitive total of 135/4 in their allotted 20 overs, with valuable contributions from captain Mieke van Voorst (35) and Karabo Meso (29). In reply, Zimbabwe fought bravely but were eventually restricted to 104/8, with Miya Lalor (2/13) and Ziya Mohanlall (2/18) leading the way with the ball for the hosts.

Winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat first. Despite losing opener Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (1) in the second over, the innings was stabilised by a 51-run partnership between Meso (29) and Shreeya Subbiah (13). The pair guided the hosts to 56/1 near the halfway mark before Zimbabwe struck back.

Tawananyasha Zvomarima (1/25) and Salem Museka (1/30) removed both batters in the space of four deliveries, reducing South Africa to 63/3 in the 10th over. A further half-century stand between Van Voorst (35) and Ashley Barnard (24*) restored momentum for the host nation, taking the total to 121/3 after 18 overs.

Van Voorst was the last wicket to fall, with Barnard and Nobubelebesisa Zwane (7*) adding valuable runs in the final two overs to get the SA U19 Women to a defendable score.

In their chase, Zimbabwe got off to a flyer with bat in hand, although South Africa continued to chip away at the wicket’s column. The touring side raced to 45/3 after five overs, despite key wickets from Melissa van der Merwe (1/31) and Lalor, as well as a sharp run out from wicketkeeper Meso.

Following the competitive start to the innings, South Africa began to take control of the proceedings by slowing down the visitors’ scoring rate while picking up wickets at regular intervals. Spinners Mohanlall, Ashleigh van Wyk (1/18) and van Voorst (1/7) picked up the last four wickets in the day, with Zimbabwe restricted to 104/8 in 20 overs.

The second T20 match will take place on Saturday, 10 January, where the SA U19 Women will face the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Youth XI at the Chatsworth Oval in Durban from 13h00. The match will be streamed live on CSA’s YouTube page.

SA U19 Women Squad

Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Karabo Meso (Central Gauteng Lions), Anelisa Mhlongo (KZN Coastal), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Shreeya Subbiah (KZN Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Cayleigh Wanckel (Eastern Province), Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KZN Coastal)

SA U19 Women’s Youth T20 Tri-Series against Zimbabwe U19 Women and CSA Youth XI

Friday, 09 January – 1st Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Saturday, 10 January – 2nd Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Monday, 12 January – 3rd Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs CSA Youth XI (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Tuesday, 13 January – 4th Youth T20 at 13h00 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Thursday, 15 January – 5th Youth T20 at 13h00 – SA U19 Women vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Friday, 16 January  – 6th Youth T20 at 13h00 – CSA Youth XI vs Zimbabwe U19 (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Sunday, 18 January – Youth T20 Tri-Series Final at 13h00 – TBC (Chatsworth Oval, Durban)

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

The 2025 Cricket South Africa (CSA) Boys u16 National Week wrapped up in Paarl after five exciting days on Sunday, 14 December. The event highlighted the impressive depth of emerging cricketing talent across South Africa.

Hosted at various venues, the tournament featured remarkable team performances, record-breaking individual feats, and fiercely competitive matches characterised by skill, discipline, and resilience.

Batsmen dominated the week, with several monumental innings setting a high standard for the competition. The standout performance came from the Eastern Cape Iinyathi‘s Josh Wilkie, who delivered a breathtaking 334 runs off just 174 balls, smashing 35 fours and 18 sixes, against Kei.

His extraordinary effort propelled the Iinyathi to a commanding total of 518/7, the highest score of the tournament and a truly unforgettable display of batting.

The South Western Districts (SWD) Garden Route Badgers also showcased their batting firepower against Kei, led by Daniel du Preez, with a stellar 174 off 114 balls. He received valuable support from Hanno Swart and Keaton Lambaatjeen to steer SWD to an imposing 414/4.

The Eastern Storm also had their moments of dominance, with Anthony Stockigt‘s 108 against the Badgers a special performance and Duan Maree‘s consistent run-scoring throughout the week another highlight.

Western Province‘s Ibraheem Taliep emerged as one of the tournament’s most dependable batsmen, notching a superb 110 against The Dolphins, along with multiple match-winning contributions.

The Central Gauteng Lions‘ Zuan Joubert and Zizi Mkhize consistently anchored their team’s innings, demonstrating their importance to their side’s successes in crucial situations.

Despite the batting-friendly conditions, bowlers still made their mark. Several players achieved outstanding five-wicket hauls, showing off their skill, both with spin and seam.

Notable performances included Oliver Whitaker’s 5/24 for Eastern Province in a win over The Lions, Christiano Moffat’s 6/14 in an Easterns’ victory over the Badgers, Benjamin Kazandjis’s 5/25 for Mpumalanga against Kei, and Corbin Tidbury‘s 5/18 in an Eastern Province defeat of Free State. Each of those decisive spells significantly impacted their matches.

All-round performances were a highlight of the week as well, with players like Tidbury, Avethandwa Manyongo, AW van der Merwe, and Rulo van der Merwe contributing effectively with both bat and ball across multiple fixtures.

Matches affected by Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) rules added an extra layer of tactical nuance to the results as teams demonstrated maturity in managing revised targets and handling pressure situations.

The competitive spirit of the week was further emphasised by several nail-biting finishes, which included North West’s narrow two-wicket victory over the Eastern Cape Iinyathi, and The Dolphins’ dramatic one-wicket win over North West on the final day.

Beyond the outcomes, the CSA Boys u16 Week once again served its vital role as a developmental platform, providing the young cricketers with invaluable exposure to high-intensity, multi-day competition.

With performances of such calibre, the next generation of players is poised to continue the tradition of excellence in the sport.

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

The 2025 Cricket South Africa u16 Girls National Week tournament brought together talented young cricketers from across the country. Over the course of the tournament, teams battled fiercely, showing off their abilities and striving for greatness.

In the Gold Group, The Tuskers emerged as the champions, demonstrating consistency and resilience throughout the tournament.

The SWD Badgers put up an impressive fight and finished in second after some commendable performances, and the Eastern Cape Iinyathi clinched the third position, thanks to their competitive spirit.

Western Province topped the Platinum Group with their stellar performances. The Central Gauteng Lions finished strongly and, as usual, were one of the title contenders. Third went to The Dolphins, who rounded out a competitive top tier.

The Titans and Eastern Province, meanwhile, retained their Platinum Group status.

The standout performer of the tournament in the Gold Group was Jeze Campher, of SWD, who was honoured in multiple categories.

She was named the Batter of the Week after she tallied an impressive of 206 runs across six innings, including a top score of 73 not out, and she also claimed the Bowler of the Week Award, capturing 16 wickets in just 25.5 overs, with a best performance of 3/7. That made her the obvious choice as the All-Rounder of the Week.

She was also an easy choice as the Player of the Tournament.

In the Platinum Group, Western Province’s Miya Lalor stood out. She was named the Batter of the Week, scoring 146 runs in six innings, with a highest score of 46. She also contributed with the ball, which led to her winning the All-Rounder of the Week Award and the Platinum Group’s Player of the Tournament.

Anelisa Mhlongo, from The Dolphins earned Bowler of the Week Award. She took an impressive 20 wickets in 31 overs, achieving a remarkable best of 6 for 11 against Easterns.

The tournament was highlighted by both individual brilliance and teamwork.

The sportsmanship displayed by the players was commendable, setting a positive example for future tournaments.

Congratulations to all teams and players for their outstanding performances and contributions to a thrilling tournament.

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications