Local cricketer Caitlin Wyngaard (22) has taken a major step in her career after being selected for the SA Proteas women’s squad touring Zimbabwe next month.

Cricket runs deep in the Wyngaard family. Her father, Enver, played the game from a young age through to his retirement, featuring for local clubs including Hottentots Holland Cricket Club and the Helderberg Vikings.

Caitlin’s own progression through the ranks began locally during her school years at Hendrik Louw Primary (2012 to 2018) and Hoërskool Strand (2019 to 2023).

She earned her first Western Province (WP)selection for the under-16 girls’ team in 2020, followed by the WP under-19 squad from 2021 to 2023.

She represented the SA under-19 team in 2022 and has been a regular member of the WP senior women’s squad since 2023.

Having already made more than 10 appearances for the SA women’s emerging side, Caitlin’s call-up to the senior national team reflects steady progress through the provincial and national structures.

She recently joined the Fidelity Titans from WP ahead of the 2026-’27 domestic season.

Her development has been backed by a dedicated support network. Coach Ebrahim Gafieldien supported herthroughout her junior years, while Jeremy Jacobs and Tatum le Roux regularly assisted with transport to training and matches.

On the provincial stage, WP head coach Claire Terblanche gave Caitlin her initial senior opportunity.

Known for her quiet demeanour and strong work ethic, the passionate cricketer enjoys assisting younger girls by sharing her experiences in the game.

Modelling her approach on her cricket hero, Proteas women’s fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, Caitlin keeps things simple off the field, where a burger and slap chips remain her favourite reward after a long day in the nets.

She will join up with the national team ahead of their departure to Zimbabwe.

The five-match T20I series runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 19 September at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo, with the squad gathering for a preparatory camp at Irene Cricket Club from 2 to 6 September before departing on 7 September.