Defending championsSouth Africa Champions — WCL 2026 Squad, Players & Season 3 Fixtures
The defending champions. South Africa Champions chased 196 in 16.5 overs to beat Pakistan Champions by nine wickets in the WCL 2025 final at Edgbaston, powered by an AB de Villiers season that ranks among the best in the tournament’s short history.
SquadSouth Africa Champions squad
The 2025 roster. Season 3 squads are announced closer to the tournament — this list updates when they are.
Last seasonSouth Africa Champions in WCL 2025
How the side performed in the 2025 edition, and who led the numbers.
Most runs, WCL 2025
- 431AB de VilliersAvg 143.67 · SR 221.03 · Player of the Tournament
- 186JJ SmutsAvg 37.20 · SR 151.22
Most wickets
- 11Peter Siddle6 matches
- 11Wayne Parnell6 matches
Siddle and Parnell’s combined 22 wickets are the most by any bowling pair in a single WCL season.
- 2025Champions — Beat Pakistan Champions by 9 wickets
- 2024Did not reach the final
AnalysisSouth Africa Champions strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- A match-winning No. 3. De Villiers scored 431 runs at 143.67 — nearly 250 more than the next batter in the tournament — including 123 off 46 against Australia Champions and 120* off 60 in the final.
- The best new-ball pair in the league. Peter Siddle’s seam movement and Wayne Parnell’s left-arm angle took 11 wickets each, giving South Africa early breakthroughs in almost every match.
- Genuine depth. Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Albie Morkel, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir give the side international pedigree through the order.
Weaknesses
- Heavy reliance on one batter. De Villiers scored roughly a third of the team’s recognised top-order runs. JJ Smuts was the only other batter past 150.
- Knockout margins were thin. The semi-final against Australia Champions was won by a single run — 186/8 defending against 185/7.
FixturesSouth Africa Champions WCL 2026 fixtures
All six league fixtures are listed below. Choose your timezone to see the start times that work for you.
6 matches
Times shown in UAE · UTC+4Sunday04 Oct2026
Tuesday06 Oct2026
Friday09 Oct2026
Saturday10 Oct2026
Monday12 Oct2026
Wednesday14 Oct2026
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AnswersSouth Africa Champions — frequently asked questions
Who are the South Africa Champions players in WCL 2026?
The squad above is the 2025 roster. WCL Season 3 squads have not been announced in full — this page updates as the franchise confirms its players for the 3–18 October 2026 tournament.
How did South Africa Champions perform in WCL 2025?
South Africa Champions finished with 4 wins from 5 league matches on 8 points, at a net run rate of +2.595. Final standing: champions.
Who scored the most runs for South Africa Champions in WCL 2025?
AB de Villiers led the side with 431 runs (Avg 143.67 · SR 221.03 · Player of the Tournament).
Who took the most wickets for South Africa Champions?
Peter Siddle with 11 wickets. Siddle and Parnell’s combined 22 wickets are the most by any bowling pair in a single WCL season.
When does South Africa Champions play in WCL 2026?
The full 24-match schedule is announced. WCL Season 3 runs from 3–18 October 2026 in Sharjah and Dubai. The league stage ends on 14 October, both semi-finals are on 16 October, and the final is on 18 October. Explore every fixture and start time.
Where is WCL 2026 being played?
WCL 2026 will be played in the United Arab Emirates at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Sharjah hosts 18 matches, including both semi-finals and the final; Dubai hosts six matches on 9–11 October.
The line-upThe other six Champion nations
WCL 2026 schedule → · Points table → · Top run scorers → · Top wicket takers →