Proteas
Ottneil Baartman delivered a career-best performance in the SA20 tournament, claiming five wickets for 16 runs, including a hat-trick, to help the Paarl Royals secure a playoff spot with a six-wicket victory over the Pretoria Capitals. Despite his strong form, the 32-year-old seamer was not selected for the Proteas' T20 World Cup squad. Baartman expressed little disappointment, noting he had low expectations due to limited communication from selectors.
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South Africa's Proteas men's and women's teams enter 2026 with high hopes for T20 World Cup success after near-misses in recent tournaments. Both squads face packed schedules across formats, but the shortest game remains their priority. Key returns and home series could pave the way for breakthroughs.