Sinalo Jafta ruled out of Zimbabwe T20I series with hamstring strain

South Africa's experienced wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta has been ruled out of their T20I tour to Zimbabwe after sustaining a hamstring injury in pre-tour testing.

Jafta was one of only five players named to the T20 World Cup squad, along with Laura Wolvaardt, Annerie Dercksen, Kayla Reyneke, and Karabo Meso. Her absence will leave South Africa's already young team with even less experience.

In Jafta's absence, Meso, who has played eight T20Is for South Africa but none at the recent World Cup, is expected to take the gloves and should also bat in the top six. For Meso, this will be an opportunity to cement herself as the natural replacement for Jafta in future.

She will have some competition from 18-year old Jae-Leigh Filander, who has earned her maiden call-up. The teenager was part of the South Africa Under-19 side that toured Pakistan in July and has been playing age-group international cricket throughout 2026. She has been batting at No. 8 in the order, like Jafta.

South Africa depart for Bulawayo on Monday and will play five T20Is between September 11 and 19. Apart from Filander, there are three other uncapped players in the squad: fast bowlers Caitlin Wyngaard and Nthabiseng Nini, as well as off-spinner Luyanda Nzuza.