Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, at the heart of Proteas, hopes for World Cup glory in the United Arab Emirates.
With less than a month to go for the upcoming 9th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup all the participating teams are gearing up for the big event in October this year. A total of 10 teams are divided into two groups Group A and Group B. India, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan form Group A, while South Africa, England, West Indies, Scotland, and Bangladesh form Group B.
Pakistan led by new skipper Fatima Sana were the first one to announce their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad. They were followed by the six-time champions Australia led by skipper Alyssa Healy and then England, India, West Indies, Scotland, and South Africa. The Laura Wolvaardt-led side was the recent one to name their World Cup squad. The runners-up of the previous (8th) edition of the tournament have named a squad containing a perfect blend of youth and experience for the World Cup.
They have formed a unit packed with ample pace-bowling options for the tournament giving them the flexibility in that particular department. However, as far as the spin department is concerned, they need more front-line bowling options to pair up alongside the 24-year-old left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. The veteran, part-time left-arm spin of Chloe Tryon could be the only resource for the Proteas, considering she walks into their best 11.
They have also named the uncapped 18-year-old young spin-bowling all-rounder Seshnie Naidu in the squad to add to the spin-bowling resources. “We looked at the conditions and the X-factor that she can bring, it’s something different from the current spinners that we have. We needed to find players to complement the unknown of the UAE, to understand what she could bring to us. With her skill and the pace she bowls in consultation with the spin lead (Paul Adams), she was the option that we looked at to complement our bowling attack.” The convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez speaks about their decision to pick the uncapped 18-year-old all-rounder in the World Cup squad. She can add variety in the Proteas spin attack with her handy leg-spin.
They had an impressive campaign, finishing 2nd on the points table with four points from four games, edging past the White Ferns led by skipper Sophie Devine to book a semi-final spot based on a superior net run rate. The Proteas led by the former skipper Sune Luus managed to etch their name in history books. They defeated England led by skipper Heather Knight in the semi-final to book their spot for their maiden appearance in the final (men’s or women’s). The fact that it was a home World Cup added more significance to the historic moment for the Proteas.
“People have learnt that fearless cricket can actually be played. The strike rate in T20 cricket is massive. We try to attack the powerplay to get our team in the best position.” The 33-year-old South African opening batter Tazmin Brits speaks about adapting to a fearless brand of cricket in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which is now set to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates after being shifted from Bangladesh due to unforeseen circumstances.
South Africa will tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series from 16th to 20th September 2024 before heading to the United Arab Emirates for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Laura Wolvaardt-led side will commence their World Cup campaign on 4th October 2024 against the West Indies led by skipper Hayley Matthews at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium from 3:30 PM IST.
(Quotes sourced from Capetimes and Capeargus).
