Ziya Mohanlall to Represent SA in Exciting T20 Tournament

Teenage cricket star Ziya Mohunlall achieves international recognition in March

Fourteen-year-old Ziya Mohanlall is celebrating a major milestone in her cricket journey after being selected to represent South Africa at an international tournament in Lagos, Nigeria. The talented Grade 9 learner has been named in the South Africa U19 Women’s squad that will travel to Nigeria from 18 to 29 March 2026 to compete in the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s Women’s T20 International Invitational Tournament. The tournament will bring together five teams from across Africa, including hosts Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and South Africa’s U19 side. All matches will take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, where teams will compete in a league format before the top two sides progress to the final.

For Ziya, the opportunity to compete internationally is both exciting and inspiring. Playing against experienced senior national teams will also give the young squad valuable exposure as they prepare for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup in 2027.

Ziya Makes Professional Debut at Just 14

Adding to this remarkable achievement, Ziya recently made her professional debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies team, stepping onto the field at just 14 years old. Balancing school and competitive sport is no small feat, but Ziya continues to show dedication, discipline and passion for cricket. Her rapid rise in the sport reflects not only her natural ability but also the growing strength of women’s cricket in South Africa. As she prepares for the upcoming tournament in Nigeria, Ziya carries the pride of her province and country with her. Competing on an international stage at such a young age is an incredible achievement and a sign of the promising career that lies ahead. For Ziya, this is only the beginning of what could be a remarkable journey in South African cricket.

Development of Young Cricketers

SA U19 Women Convenor of Selectors, AJ Rudman, commented: “Touring Nigeria presents a great opportunity for this group to test themselves in unfamiliar conditions against experienced senior opposition. Exposure to different environments and styles of play is critical in the development of young cricketers. “Competing against senior players will challenge their growth from a tactical and mental perspective. These experiences are essential as we continue to identify and shape the players who will form the core of our World Cup campaign.”

Experience is key

SA U19 Women head coach Dinesha Devnarain said: “With 11 months to go before the World Cup, game time is crucial, and the T20 Invitational in Nigeria will provide that in abundance, with intense competition expected against experienced teams. Tournament-style cricket will also help these youngsters understand how to handle increased pressure in matches. “I’m excited to see the growth of the group following a very competitive Tri-Series in January, where several players put up their hands and showcased their abilities, not only through performance, but through their leadership and character as well.”

SA U19 Women Squad

This is the team representing SA in Nigeria this March.

• Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga)
• Daneli Boshoff (Boland)
• Jezé Campher (SWD)
• Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province)
• Bruzaan Goosen (Eastern Storm)
• Miya Lalor (Western Province)
• Siphokuhle Masilela (Eastern Storm)
• Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal)
• Kananelo Mokoena (Eastern Storm)
• Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo)
• Rethabile Nthoba (Free State)
• Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm)
• Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm)
• Chanel Venter (Titans)
• Cayleigh Wanckel (Border)

Match dates

Contact us with your sports story!