Nonkululeko Mlaba

Nonkululeko Mlaba's rise has been quick. Before turning 25, she had already become South Africa's premier spin bowler, and had crossed the landmark of 100 international wickets.

Her ten-for in a Test against England in Bloemfontein in December 2024 was the first for a South Africa woman, and added to her reputation of being a wicket-taker, whatever the format, whatever the stage of the game.

Mlaba delivered her T20I career-best performance at the 2024 World Cup, with figures of 4 for 29 against West Indies. Her haul of 12 wickets at 11.33 in the tournament - she was the second-highest wicket-taker overall - was crucial to her side's run to the final.

As the best spinners do, she does not lose her calm in high-pressure phases of the game. With many years left in the tank, Mlaba's accuracy and discipline might be the glue that bridges the current South Africa bowling line-up with the next lot, whenever the time for that comes.