Young Leg-Spinner Seshnie Naidu Poised for T20I Debut, South Africa Women Optimistic

South Africa Women captain Laura Wolvaardt praises 18-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, set for her debut in the T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Wolvaardt highlights the importance of young players gaining experience and finalizing the squad for the tournament.

South Africa Women skipper Laura Wolvaardt has lauded the uncapped 18-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, selected for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup squad and the imminent three-match bilateral series against Pakistan. Naidu previously showcased her talent at the 2023 U19 Women's T20 World Cup, taking five wickets in five matches, and was part of the South African Emerging Women's squad at the Africa Games in Ghana earlier this year.

Naidu is poised to make her T20I debut against Pakistan starting on September 16. Wolvaardt conveyed her enthusiasm about Naidu's potential: "Very exciting young player. Hopefully, she (Naidu) gets a game; I think that will be awesome, especially if we have her in mind playing in the T20 World Cup, considering the slow conditions."

Wolvaardt stressed the value of Naidu gaining international experience before the World Cup. "It would be awesome for her to get a game within this series to get a taste of international cricket. Faced her a couple of times in the nets, and she has good control for such a young leg-spinner. Very exciting for the future," said Wolvaardt. She also highlighted the series' importance in finalizing the playing XI for the World Cup.

Additionally, 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi could earn her maiden cap in the series. Wolvaardt emphasized the importance of giving young players ample playing time to adapt to different conditions and gain valuable experience.

Wolvaardt believes they are close to solidifying their World Cup squad: "We have a few newer faces and 2-3 changes from what we had in India. It will be great for the younger players to get a chance, especially with the spin considerations. A lot depends on the opposition and venue, but we will be fairly close to having a final side in mind."

South Africa, part of Group B, will begin their 2024 Women's T20 World Cup campaign against the West Indies on October 4, followed by matches against England, Scotland, and Bangladesh. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)