LESS than a week ago, on the back of a historic series victory in Pakistan and an impressive series draw in India, one could confidently say that the Proteas Women had finally turned their fortunes around, having struggled for over a year in T20 Internationals.
During those tours, there were very encouraging signs from the usual consistent performers such as Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp – and even from the rather inconsistent Anneke Bosch and Suné Luus.
So, all the signs were there that this team had finally found form.
Two warm-up matches later, it feels as though the South Africans are back to square one as they were bowled out for 92 by New Zealand last Sunday, and went on to make only 116 in 20 overs against India earlier this week.
Ahead of their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup opener against the West Indies today (12pm start), Wolvaardt vowed that conversations were had about their poor showing in the warm-up matches this week.
“We’ve had very fruitful conversations about those warm-up games,” Wolvaardt told the media yesterday.
“It was not ideal to start the two warm-up games that way, but I guess that’s just what they were: warm-up games.
The Final Preps! 😤🏏🇿🇦
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 3, 2024
Moments away, the Proteas Women gear up for their first #T20WorldCup clash against the West Indies, taking place tomorrow.
Prepare to be thrilled as the Proteas aim to start the tournament with a bang! 💪🇿🇦#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/gh4ZPWqS07
“In both games we weren’t playing our strongest XI. We tried a few things here and there, and did not play our normal bowling attack either.
“Warm-ups are mainly about assessing conditions, trying one or two different things and making sure that everyone gets exposed and has a run in the conditions.
“There’s nothing that matches the World Cup energy. I think everyone will be pumped when they’re out there on the field and give 120%.”
A 120% effort is definitely what the Proteas Women will need to get past a side as unpredictable as the West Indies.
Despite having won eight of the 13 T20Is against the Windies and having beaten them the last time they crossed paths, the Caribbean side have star player Deandra Dottin back in the squad, which completely changes the look of the team.
Wolvaardt said that her team are well aware of the threat that the West Indies pose, and that they have prepared accordingly.
“We had a good chat this morning about the opposition. It’s not a team that we can take lightly. I think you never really know what you’re going to get with the West Indies,” the right-handed batter said.
“They can chase down 250 in a T20I when Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin are on song. We’ll have to play our best cricket, and we’ve had a lot of good chats about their players.
“Deandra Dottin is back, she’s a world-class player. I don’t think she was there the last time we met them.
“Hayley Matthews is in the best form that she’s been in in a long time. She’s scored a lot since the last time we played them, so I think she’s the main wicket.
“If we can find a way to get her out or, if not, keep her quiet, it will be good for us.”
