As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off, South Africa Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed confidence in her team’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages. Ahead of their opening clash against the West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium, Wolvaardt emphasized the importance of taking the tournament one game at a time, but she believes her side can reach the semi-finals.
“We know T20 cricket is unpredictable, but we’re focusing on one game at a time. Our group is challenging, but we’re hopeful of making it to the semi-finals, and from there, anything is possible,” said Wolvaardt in a statement quoted by the ICC.
South Africa finds themselves in Group B alongside strong contenders England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland. Coming off a runner-up finish in last year’s T20 World Cup, the Proteas are eager to improve on that performance and start their campaign with a victory against the West Indies, a team bolstered by the return of star player Deandra Dottin.
The Proteas will be relying heavily on their skipper Wolvaardt to anchor their batting order, while West Indies will look to their captain Hayley Matthews, currently the top-ranked all-rounder in T20I cricket, to lead with both bat and ball.
The contest is set to be a close one, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages. While the return of Dottin adds to the West Indies’ firepower, South Africa will count on the experience of Marizanne Kapp, a key player in the middle order and with the new ball.
West Indies Eyeing World Cup Success
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews shared her team’s long-standing ambition to perform well in the tournament. “Every series and every training session has been building towards this World Cup. As a team, we’ve had our eyes on this moment for a long time,” Matthews stated.
The squads for the upcoming match feature a mix of experienced players and promising talents. South Africa’s lineup includes names like Tazmin Brits, Ayabonga Khaka, and Sune Luus, while West Indies will be relying on veterans such as Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle.
South Africa Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon.
Travelling reserve: Miane Smit.
West Indies Squad:
Hayley Matthews (C), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton.
With both teams hungry for success, this opening match promises to set the tone for an exciting tournament.
