Ayanda Hlubi

There's a rare quality that makes Ayanda Hlubi one of the most exciting players in world cricket: she is really, really quick.

Hlubi made her debut for KwaZulu-Natal Coastal in 2019, showing off her ability to be quick while being economical, while also picking up wickets. She represented South Africa at the 2023 U19 T20 World Cup, and by the end of the year, was fast-tracked into the senior side. She delivered two wickets for 15 runs in a whirlwind spell against Bangladesh on her T20I debut, earning her a Player-of-the-Match award.

A fast bowlers from Durban's townships, Hlubi marks Shabnim Ismail and Kagiso Rabada as her heroes, and like them, she brings venom with the new ball when she is in full flow. While she is yet to deliver consistently for South Africa, she has been awarded a national contract for 2025-26, signalling the management's recognition of and interest in her skills.