South Africa‘s T20 World Cup campaign started with a controversial shake up of the team selection, followed by a first-up defeat to England. The outlook wasn’t particularly optimistic, and many critics were quick to call their tournament run over, but South Africa managed to defy all odds and win four out of five matches in their pool stages. With improved batting and brilliant bowling they fought back hard and showed why they deserved the hosting rights in the first place. This defiant performance resulted in them eventually progressing to the semi-finals and although the results weren’t ultimately successful, the determination, resilience and spirit demonstrated by South Africa was inspiring.
Skipper Sune Luus cuts a forlorn figure as the Proteas underwent a bitter defeat, losing to Sri Lanka by merely three runs. Despite their valiant effort, they were unable to reach the minimum score of team’s total tally of 129 or even achieving an admirable 140, 150 on the wicket with its nice bounce and ball gliding onto the bat smoothly. This adds salt to their wounds as they are still reflecting bitterly at the fact that had it not been for those three runs, victory would be swinging in their favour instead. Judging from the looks of their faces and performance on such a glorious night, one might presume that grit and excitement could have been enough to power them towards victory – giving them what otherwise seemed like just out of reach.
South Africa had a rocky start to the World Cup, with shocking defeat at the hands of Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka and questions surrounding captain Dane van Niekerk’s absence from the squad. But, buoyed by a comprehensive win against New Zealand, their net run rate ultimately propelled them through to the semi-final. Additionally, a huge thank you to their new allies – The White Ferns – who thumped Sri Lanka and made a South African passage possible. Australia, then proved too strong for most teams in the competition and their wins had positive effects on South Africa too with regards to net run rate proving to be the deciding factor that edges them ahead.
The pressure was high at the start of the tournament, but South African team put collectively their resiliency forward and have now accomplished an 11 day unbeaten streak in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Now with their talented captain Luus one step closer to lifting the trophy on home soil in Cape Town, 26th February, there is a renewed energy that South Africa can indeed dream big and take home the trophy. Luus herself demonstrated her enthusiasm for the situation as she looked ahead to this historic opportunity stating, “It’s awesome. I don’t think this opportunity comes very often.” With everyone tuning in to see South Africa compete on Friday 3 o’clock, we can only anticipate what is yet to come!
The South African Proteas have successfully identified a versatile bowling attack they know they can count on, but it will be the opening pair of Wolvaardt and Brits who will decide their fate as the tournament draws nearer to a close. Wolvaardt believes that improvements in their batting unit are still essential for success on Friday when they take on England. She is buoyed by the fantastic crowd support in addition to her and Taz’s runs and increased confidence. While improved batting performance is necessary for success against an undoubtedly strong opponent, continued support from the passionate fans cheering them on can prove decisive for a successful late run for the Proteas.
