SA u19 Women set for T20 Invitational in Nigeria as World Cup preparations continue
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce the South Africa u19 Women‘s participation in the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Women’s T20 International (T20I) Invitational Tournament in Lagos from 18–29 March.
As part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s u19 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal in January next year, the SA u19 Women will face senior national sides Rwanda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and hosts Nigeria in a league phase format.
All matches will take place at the TBS Cricket Oval, with the top two teams progressing to the final, while the other top four teams will play a 3rd/4th place match.
The 15-player squad selected to represent South Africa features the returning Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), and Chanel Venter (Titans).
The group is also bolstered by players embarking on their first outbound tour, namely Miya Lalor (Western Province), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), and Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga). The trio impressed during last month’s Youth T20 Tri-Series, which also featured Zimbabwe u19 and the CSA Youth XI in Chatsworth.
SA u19 Women Convenor of Selectors, AJ Rudman, commented: “Touring Nigeria presents a great opportunity for this group to test themselves in unfamiliar conditions against experienced senior opposition. The exposure to different environments and styles of play are critical in the development of young cricketers.
“Competing against senior players will challenge their growth from a tactical and mental perspective. These experiences are essential as we continue to identify and shape the players who will form the core of our World Cup campaign.”
SA u19 Women head coach Dinesha Devnarain said: “With 11 months to go before the World Cup, game time is crucial, and the T20 Invitational in Nigeria will provide that in abundance, with intense competition expected against experienced teams. Tournament-style cricket will also help these youngsters understand how to handle increased pressure in matches.
“I’m excited to see the growth of the group following a very competitive Tri-Series in January, where several players put up their hands and showcased their abilities, not only through performance, but through their leadership and character, as well.”
SA U19 Women Squad
Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Daneli Boshoff (Boland), Jezé Campher (SWD). Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Bruzaan Goosen (Eastern Storm), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Siphokuhle Masilela (Eastern Storm), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Kananelo Mokoena (Eastern Storm), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Rethabile Nthoba (Free State), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans), Cayleigh Wanckel (Border)
SA U19 Women’s Fixtures – NCF Women’s T20I Invitational 2026
(All matches at TBS Cricket Oval, Lagos)
Saturday, 21 March at 15:00 – Rwanda vs South Africa u19 Women
Tuesday, 24 March at 15:00 – South Africa u19 Women vs Ghana
Wednesday, 25 March at 15:00 – South Africa u19 Women vs Sierra Leone
Thursday, 26 March at 11:00 – Nigeria vs South Africa u19 Women
Saturday, 28 March at 11:00 – 3rd Place Match
Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications
