Meso pumped for maiden ODI call-up

At just 17 years old, Karabo Meso is already making waves in the cricket world. Despite her academic commitments in her matric year, Meso remains committed to balancing books and boundaries after earning a maiden call-up for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series against hosts Sri Lanka and India later this month.

Meso has played in two T20 Internationals (T20I) for the Proteas Women, was an instrumental part of the SA Under-19 Women’s team that reached the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 final before leading Steyn City School to victory in the inaugural Schools SA20 Finals, where she was named Player of the Tournament.

Balancing schoolwork and cricket at this level is no easy feat. Meso admits it’s been a juggling act but credits her strong support system for keeping her grounded.

“There have been ups and downs. Luckily, I have a strong support system, including CSA, team management and players who’ve been through the same experience. When it's time for school, it's school; when it's cricket, it’s cricket,” she noted.

Her recent stint at the U19 World Cup didn’t just provide international exposure but also invaluable experience of navigating the pressures of subcontinental conditions. Despite South Africa finishing runners-up to back-to-back champions India, Meso emerged wiser and more composed.

“The subcontinent can be hectic but I learned to take it one day at a time. It’s all about being present and focusing on what's in front of me.”

Looking ahead, Meso is eager to join the senior Proteas Women side for the upcoming One-Day International Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, where she is in line to make her ODI debut. While uncertain about her specific role, the talented youngster is confident in the support from her coaches.

“The coaches back me, no matter where I’m at. It’s going to be an exciting time and I’m really looking forward to it,” she says.

Having played in India before, Meso is no stranger to the challenges of the subcontinent’s spin-heavy conditions. With her experience and strong work ethic, Meso is prepared to stand tall against the spinners in Sri Lanka, building on the valuable lessons she’s learned from her previous tour.

“It’s tough but the more you practice, the easier it gets. I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead and honoured to be able to represent my country once more,” she says.

With 275 runs under her belt in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series 50-over competition – including a scintillating century – Meso heads to Sri Lanka in fine form and full of belief.

From schoolgirl to international starlet, Meso is no longer just one for the future. She’s very much one for the now.

Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), *Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures

Sunday, 27 April (6.30am - SAST) – First ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday, 29 April (6.30am - SAST) – Second ODI: India v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 2 May (6.30am - SAST) – Third ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 4 May (6.30am - SAST) – Fourth ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 7 May (6.30am - SAST) – Fifth ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 9 May (6.30am - SAST) – Sixth ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May (6.30am - SAST) – Final: First v Second (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)