Cricket South Africa dropped a bombshell Thursday: experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp is sidelined for the Pakistan women’s ODI series owing to illness, disrupting team preparations.
The 36-year-old encountered issues right after her bowling spell in Monday’s third T20 first innings at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park. Subsequent medical reviews led the Proteas medical team to recommend complete rest as a precaution.
Filling the void is debutant Faye Tunnicliffe of DP World Lions, a former South Africa U19 cricketer who dazzled at last month’s Tshwane camp. She played a starring role in the team’s runners-up achievement at the 2025 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup held in Malaysia.
A 2009 ODI debutante with 162 caps, Kapp has been instrumental in South Africa’s ascent, including their 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final appearance. Her recent T20 figures against Pakistan—1/25 and 0/11—highlight her consistency.
This championship series carries weight for ICC Women’s Championship points toward 2029 World Cup qualification. Fixtures: Opener on 22 February at Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval, second on 25 February at Centurion’s SuperSport Park, finale on 1 March at Durban’s Kingsmead.
Complete team: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Faye Tunnicliffe, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Sune Luus, Karabo Moso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe.
Kapp’s unavailability spotlights South Africa’s bench strength, with Tunnicliffe’s call-up marking a new chapter as the Proteas chase series victory.