India Names Women's T20I Squad for South Africa Tour

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced a 15-member squad for the Indian women's cricket team's five-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa, set to begin on April 17 in Durban. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain, as the tour provides key preparation ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England starting June 12.

Anushka Sharma, a 22-year-old allrounder from Madhya Pradesh, earned her first national call-up following standout performances in recent domestic and franchise cricket. In the Women's Premier League 2026, she scored 177 runs in seven innings for the Gujarat Giants at a strike rate of 129.20, including a debut knock of 44 off 30 balls, helping her team reach the playoffs. Sharma also contributed 116 runs during India's successful campaign in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Her domestic form included 155 runs in five games for Central Zone in the Senior Women's Interzonal Trophy, highlighted by an 80 off 58 balls, and 93 runs in four matches for Bundelkhand Bulls in the Madhya Pradesh Women's League. As a right-arm medium-pacer and middle-order batter, she adds depth to...