Kayla Reyneke: From inspired youth to Proteas star as women’s cricket booms

When South Africa hosted the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the primary goal for the Proteas Women was to inspire the next generation of players.

Up until that point, very few women's matches were broadcast live on TV. However, since South Africa reached the final of that World Cup, much has changed for the country's women's cricket. The sport has become fully professional both domestically and at the international level, a feat that continues to inspire young girls across the country to pursue careers in the game.

Youngster Kayla Reyneke is a perfect example of this impact. Over the last three years, she has watched South Africa reach three back-to-back World Cup finals.

The 20-year-old watched Proteas Women's captain Laura Wolvaardt blast a century in the 2025 World Cup semi-final and another in the final, becoming only the second player to achieve that feat after Australia's Alyssa Healy.

The list of inspirations continues, including Tazmin Brits' record five ODI centuries in a calendar year in 2025 and Nadine de Klerk's heroics in the World Cup last year.

"It's crazy. Playing with 'Wolfie', Sune, the likes of Nadine, and also 'Kapi' and even Dane — it's kind of still sinking in, especially as a youngster," Reyneke said, soaking in the prospect of taking the field with her heroines during the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan in South Africa.

"It's something that you dreamed of. It's a privilege, and not many people can say, 'I'm their teammate and I'm wearing this badge.' So, I'm just taking in every single moment as it comes. I want to be a sponge and learn as much as possible."

Reyneke is part of the South Africa squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan Women, with the first match scheduled to take place in Potchefstroom at 6pm on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old former South Africa Under-19 captain has been given the licence to play freely and express herself should she get the opportunity.

"I think as a youngster coming into the space, you want to talk to the management and the top-class players that you have as teammates," Reyneke said.

"I just want to have fun. As Coach Mandla told me, go play without expectation, play your own game and just have fun. That's what I want to achieve on this tour."

Following the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, the focus will shift to a three-match ODI series between the two sides, set to run from Thursday, 19 February.