Jafta made her South Africa debut in 2016. © Getty

Sinalo Jafta, the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, has been awarded Cricket South Africa's central contract. Jafta, who made her international debut in October 2016, has represented South Africa in 8 one-dayers and 6 T20Is.

Jafta's selection in the final T20I against India in the ongoing tour has helped her qualify for the national contract for the 2019-20 season, becoming the 15th player on the women's list this year.

The contract will apply retrospectively back to May 1, 2019 and will run until April 30, 2020.

"Congratulations to Sinalo on her upgrade to a national contract following her consistent selection and performance for the Proteas this year to achieve the necessary threshold," commented Corrie van Zyl, CSA Acting Director of Cricket.

"We have introduced this change to assist in the retention of talent and the objective of creating parity within women's cricket. This is an important step forward as we strive for gender equality as far as cricket is concerned.

"I am sure this will encourage all our provincial players in the knowledge that national contracts are within reach via performance."

South Africa women's contracted list of players: Trisha Chetty, Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Zintle Mali, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk, Laura Wolvaardt.