The ICC T20 World Cup 2023 was a landmark moment for South Africa, as the hosts reached their first-ever World Cup final, across both genders and formats. With the 2024 edition fast approaching, let’s take a closer look at South Africa’s remarkable journey so far.
Since their debut in the inaugural 2009 edition, South Africa has played 33 World Cup matches, winning 14. The year 2023 was a dream run for the Proteas, finishing as runners-up. As the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup, they face a significant challenge—playing in spinner-friendly conditions, which contrast sharply with the fast-paced pitches they are used to at home. This time, they will also be without their legendary pacer Shabnim Ismail, who retired after the 2023 World Cup.
Despite the hurdles, South Africa has had ample practice over the past 12 months. They’ve played five T20 series against subcontinent teams or in subcontinental conditions, including an ongoing series in Multan against Pakistan. Multiple training camps have also been set up to prepare the players for what awaits them in the UAE, where the World Cup will now be held.
Proteas batter Sune Luus shared her thoughts on this preparation, “I think playing all the subcontinent teams gave us the best possible chance. We have really been working hard to be better at that (facing spin) as a batting unit and really get a better understanding of our games against it,” Luus told Independent Newspapers.
Sune Luus, the former captain who led South Africa to their historic final, has returned to bowling. She holds the best-ever T20I figures for a South African bowler, with an incredible 5 for 8. Commenting on her all-round contribution, she said, “I want to still contribute in every aspect of the game, so (bowling) off-spin is something I played around with, and it became an option. It just gives the team an extra option.”
After stepping down as captain last year, Luus handed over the reins to Laura Wolvaardt. Reflecting on this transition, she mentioned, “Laura has a year under her belt with captaincy, I feel like she’s found her feet and rhythm nicely. Obviously, a World Cup is different, but she knows my door is always open and I do my best to help her take care of small things on the field.”
Luus also acknowledged how giving up the captaincy has allowed her to focus more on her game, “Captaining your country comes with lots of expectations and pressures, so yes, a part of me is more chilled on the field and just focused on me. My role in the middle order is purely based on my ability to face spin and keep the scoreboard ticking. T20 cricket is a game of ebbs and flows, therefore all the batters from No 5 should always be flexible, depending on the game situation.”
As for the external pressure that comes with being the runners-up, Luus remains calm, saying, “I don’t think there is added pressure. I think we know what it feels like to be in a final and we would love to be in that situation again. Hopefully, with the experience of last year, we can get over the line if the opportunity presents itself.”
The stage is set for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, which was relocated from Bangladesh to the UAE due to political and social unrest. From October 3rd to 23rd, ten teams will compete in 23 matches across Dubai and Sharjah. South Africa is placed in Group B, alongside England, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Scotland. Their campaign begins on October 4th with a clash against the West Indies, as they aim to build on their impressive performance from last year.
(Quotes sourced from Independent Newspapers)