Women’s T20 Challenge is round the corners and the players have started to assemble in UAE. The 4 match tournament starts on 4th November and the Finals will be played on 9th November 2020. The 3 teams are scheduled to leave Mumbai on 21st October for UAE. In an exclusive interaction with Female Cricket, South African speedster Ayabonga Khaka talks about her excitement for the upcoming event and what it means to be playing for the defending champions – Supernovas.
Excerpts from the Interview
How has the last 4-5 months been for you personally?
For me personally, it was a bit of a difficult period given that I had to adapt and accept the new situation that we were dealing with. It led to a change in my routine and with the restrictions at the time it limited me from all outdoor activities and exercise. However, I enjoyed being surrounded by family as I rarely get a chance to be with them.
As a former bowler, how did you keep yourself fit during the lockdown?
We were fortunate enough as a team to be given a program to follow that kept us fit during the lockdown, particularly when we were restricted from doing any outdoor activities, so I was able to keep active and fit during that time.
Next month you will be featuring in the Women’s T20 Challenge. What was your reaction when the news broke to you?
I was very happy when I first heard the news. I am excited to be given an opportunity to be part of this tournament and get back out in the middle!
You will be part of the Supernova outfit, the team that has won both the FINALS in the previous 2 seasons. How excited are you to be part of the defending champions?
I am ecstatic! To be part of the Supernova outfit (defending champions) is a big deal and I am looking forward to working with them and hopefully we can make it a third.
How are you preparing yourself for the T20 Challenge?
I have been back to my normal routine for the last 2 months, now I am in the phase of training where I am preparing for game situations.
T20 is known to be a batsman’s game. Have you been working on strengthening your armory to get the better of the batters?
It makes it difficult for us bowlers as we only have four fielders outside of the powerplay (women’s game). I’ve been working hard on improving my bowling skills and I am looking forward to executing and applying my skills during this tournament.
Shakera Selman is another experienced fast-bowler on your side. How excited are you to bowl with her?
I am looking forward to bowling alongside her, with the experience she has, and sharing some ideas with her and the rest of the team.
The tournament will also give you access to Jhulan Goswami, the bowling legend who is retired from T20Is. Given a chance what would you like to know/ask from her?
What kept her going or what motivated her to go as far as she had gone in her career.
When are you and Sune arriving in the UAE?
We depart this week.
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