Teenage Prodigy Karabo Meso Earns First ODI Call-up for South Africa’s Sri Lanka Series
South Africa’s promising wicketkeeper-batter, Karabo Meso, who made her international debut in the second T20I against Sri Lanka in March, has been selected for the 14-member squad for the upcoming ODIs. Meso, a standout player in last year’s ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, was also featured in the Team of the Tournament.
Related: U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament Unveiled
The South African team will be captained by the seasoned Laura Wolvaardt. However, the squad will miss the presence of experienced all-rounder Chloe Tryon.
Tryon, who was absent from the third T20I on Wednesday (3 April), has been ruled out of the ODI series due to ongoing rehabilitation for a back injury.
All-rounder Delmi Tucker has been added to the squad as Tryon’s replacement. Annerie Dercksen, who was part of the T20I series, has not been included in the squad.
Watch the Three-Match ODI Series Live and Free on ICC.tv
South Africa won the opening T20I but lost the subsequent two matches, resulting in Sri Lanka’s first-ever women’s series victory over South Africa in any format.
Sri Lanka continues their successful run with a historic maiden series win over South Africa. #SAvSL https://t.co/zEDmwGxe1A
The upcoming three ODIs are part of the current cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship, which will determine direct qualification for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. The top five teams in the standings, along with host India, will directly qualify for next year’s global event.
South Africa currently holds the No.2 position in the Women’s Championship standings with 20 points in 15 games, while Sri Lanka is at No.8 with 11 points in 15 games.
The three-match ODI series will kick off on 9 April in East London, followed by matches in Kimberley and Potchefstroom for the final two ODIs.
South Africa’s ODI Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Delmi Tucker.