Proteas determined to cross final hurdle at T20WC
South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt opens up ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next month.
Three finals in as many years, two of which have been at the most recent editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. South Africa have come close to clinching their maiden ICC senior women’s title, and fallen agonisingly short of it.
At the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales however, skipper Laura Wolvaardt believes her side will walk in hungrier than ever to taste the silverware.
"Reaching back-to-back T20 World Cup finals has obviously been very special for us as a team, but I think it’s also made us even hungrier to go one step further,” Wolvaardt wrote in the ICC column.
Laura Wolvaardt | Outstanding talent | 100% Cricket Superstars
Outstanding talent Laura Wolvaardt | 100% Cricket Superstars
It was last month that the Proteas Women featured in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final in India, coming up short against the co-hosts.
In the lead-up to this summer’s marquee event however, South Africa have derived major inspiration from a 4-1 T20I series win against Harmanpreet Kaur and Co.
“The India series was another good test against one of the strongest teams in the world,” Wolvaardt believes.
“Winning that series gave the group a lot of confidence, but more importantly, it showed the ability and resilience within the squad.
“Players stepped up at different times and that’s something you need at a World Cup.”
Laura Wolvaardt's valiant century | Player Highlights | CWC25
Watch South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt's highlights from her knock during the the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final clash between India and South Africa.
In addition to a dominant display from the team, Wolvaardt finished the five-T20I series with a staggering 330 runs to her name. This included a century and three half-centuries as she scored runs at a strike rate of 168.37.
“Personally, it’s been one of my most enjoyable seasons,” Wolvaardt concedes.
“I think a big part of that has come from clarity in my game and just enjoying my cricket. I’ve tried not to put too much pressure on myself and instead focus on contributing to the team in whatever way is needed.”
The Proteas side were also bolstered ahead of the tournament by the return of pacer Shabnim Ismail for the T20 World Cup.
Wolvaardt shares that the inclusion of Ismail not only powers them on the field, but also off it.
“Having Shabnim Ismail back is very exciting for us. Everyone knows the quality and experience she brings.
“She’s one of the best fast bowlers in the world and someone who can change a game very quickly.
“Beyond her skill, she also brings a level of gees (Afrikaans word for vibe) to the group, and I know the team is really happy to have her back in Proteas colours again, to hopefully help us go that one step further and lift the trophy.”
South Africa are slotted in Group 1 of the Women’s T20 World Cup alongside India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
The upcoming edition is set to be the grandest in the tournament history with a record prize money pool of US$8,764,615, marking a 10% rise from the 2024 edition.
Wolvaardt sees it as a major step for the growth of the women’s game.
“The increase in prize money for this tournament is hugely important for the women’s game. It’s another strong statement about how far the game has come and where it’s heading.
“For young girls watching around the world, seeing the investment and opportunities continue to grow makes a massive difference. It shows that women’s cricket is being taken seriously and valued on the global stage.
“I think the ICC has made it very clear through things like this that there is real intent to continue growing the women’s game around the world. We’ve already seen incredible progress over the last few years in terms of, crowds, broadcast coverage and overall interest in the women’s game, and I think this is another important step in that journey.”