World Cup intensity and T20 impact may be key to Irish series – Mashimbiyi

Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbiyi wants to find a balance between World Cup intensity and T20 impact for their upcoming 20-over series against Ireland.

After a break from cricket following their return from the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, the team resumed training in Cape Town ahead of the first game at Newlands on Friday (start 2pm). Losing the final of the World Cup just last month, may have left a bitter taste in the Proteas' mouths, but it has also instilled a level of belief that was previously absent.

Now, the Proteas look to carry that momentum forward in hopes of building a stronger squad ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Mashimbiyi said it felt good to be back at the office, adding that the team was in high spirits at training. He does not plan on taking Ireland lightly, despite the Springboks’ recent emphatic win over the same opposition in rugby.

“In terms of how we want to play cricket, we have taken some elements from our 50-over World Cup preparation and tried to mix that up with the intensity and energy needed for T20 cricket,” Mashimbiyi said.

“T20 cricket is more about impact, so we obviously need to find the right combinations, the type of players to fit into certain roles and impact specific situations in the game. That’s what we are trying to find over the next few days and clarify roles with each player so we are ready for the first game.”

Mashimbiyi added that the squad includes numerous new faces, as well as returning players, to add depth and ensure resources in case of injury during the series.

“We created a big squad with players to choose from and also to create a bit of depth. I think that is one of the big things for me now because you never know what will happen.

"It’s important to reward players for performing well domestically. Giving them that opportunity creates a good environment, but I just hope it doesn’t put too much pressure on them,” he said.

SOUTH AFRICA v IRELAND 

Proteas Women T20 squad: Laura Wolvaardt (capt) – Fidelity Titans Nadine de Klerk – World Sports Betting Western Province Annerie Dercksen – Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers Sinalo Jafta – DP World Lions Marizanne Kapp – World Sports Betting Western Province Ayabonga Khaka – DP World Lions Masabata Klaas – Fidelity Titans Suné Luus – Fidelity Titans Karabo Meso – DP World Lions Nonkululeko Mlaba – Hollywoodbets Dolphins Seshnie Naidu – Hollywoodbets Dolphins Nondumiso Shangase – Hollywoodbets Dolphins Chloé Tryon – DP World Lions Faye Tunnicliffe – World Sports Betting Western Province Dané van Niekerk – World Sports Betting Western Province