Wolvaardt targets T20 World Cup gains in Ireland series
The Proteas skipper says the three-match T20I series marks an important step in South Africa’s preparations for next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the three-T20I series opener against Ireland, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt underlined the significance of every outing as the countdown continues towards the next T20 World Cup, now only months away in England & Wales.
This will be the Proteas’ first assignment since their Cricket World Cup 2025 Final heartbreak against India last month.
“It's crazy that it's so soon. It feels like we've just come off the World Cup and there's another one in a few months' time,” Wolvaardt told CSA.
“We've been playing some good cricket. Obviously, that final hurdle is still in front of us, three in a row. I think we're doing a lot of things right to keep making those finals. But yeah, I think just playing a good game once we reach that stage again."
South Africa have reached three consecutive World Cup finals over the last three years (T20WC 2023, T20WC 2024, CWC 2025), losing out to Australia, New Zealand and India respectively in the summit clash.
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Check out some of the best cover drives from South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt from the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
The 26-year-old believes the squad has continued to make “really good strides” but must keep pushing forward as the next global tournament approaches.
“Overall, I think the group's been making some really good strides, and hopefully we can get ourselves another final.”
With Ireland arriving for a short but competitive three-match series, Wolvaardt expects a meaningful examination of South Africa’s readiness, while praising some key Ireland players.
“They're a good side. They have a lot of really good individual players.
“Gaby Lewis has sort of played around the world. I've played a bit with Orla Prendergast as well. She's a really good cricketer. Players like that can sort of take the game away from you.
“We'll have to be spot-on with our plans against some of those big players. It looks like they're a young side playing quite a fearless brand of cricket with the footage that I've seen.
“We're still going to have to be pretty on it on the day because players like that can take games away from you.”
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The series also marks the Proteas’ first appearance at Newlands since their splendid run to the final of the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Proteas shone brightly at the home T20 World Cup, missing out on their maiden ICC trophy by a narrow 19-run margin in the final against the then defending champions Australia.
“It's very nice being back in Cape Town, back home. There's no place like home, especially for me, being from Cape Town. It feels super refreshing to be back here.
“Really looking forward to the series, having a home crowd for a change. It was a tough tour in India, having all those people against us in the crowd, so looking forward to some home support.”
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South Africa squad v Ireland:
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk
Fixtures:
1st T20I - 5 December, Newlands, Cape Town
2nd T20I - 7 December, Boland Park, Paarl
3rd T20I - 10 December, Willowmoore Park, Benoni
