The Proteas will be kicking off their preparations for the T20 Women’s World Cup this week, when they take on Ireland in Loughborough, England, to measure how far they are as far as their readiness is concerned.
South Africa will then face New Zealand the following week on Tuesday before their official opening T20 World Cup game against Australia on June 13 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Greater Manchester.
A force to be reckoned with
In recent years, the Proteas have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the T20I format. Coach Mandla Mashimbyi and his side reached back-to-back T20 World Cup finals and will be hoping to be a third time lucky to clinch their maiden world title.
“Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances,” Mashimbyi said after announcing his final squad recently.
“The only pressure I have is to make sure that the players are ready. I think the only pressure I feel is based on the preparation that we put together to make sure that they’re ready for the World Cup.
“When you get there, it’s just having the confidence to go and execute your skill. And you know, when you do it well, the chances of you winning are higher.”
Mashimbyi picks strong side
Mashimbyi named a strong side, which includes the likes of Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk, who are back after recovering from illness and a calf injury, respectively.
Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also returned to the team from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against India and will link up with Sinalo Jafta in the wicketkeeping department.
Laura Wolvaardt will continue to captain the side, with the biggest inclusion being that of highly experienced fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, who returns having last represented the Proteas in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February 2023.
The 37-year-old brings a wealth of experience, adding 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets to the group.
- South Africa's women's cricket team (Proteas) will begin their T20 World Cup preparations with matches against Ireland and New Zealand in England before their official World Cup opener against Australia on June 13.
- The Proteas have been strong contenders in recent T20 World Cups, reaching two consecutive finals, and aim to win their first-ever title.
- Coach Mandla Mashimbyi emphasizes focusing on preparation, game-by-game improvement, and confidence to enhance their chances of winning.
- The squad features key players returning from injury, including Marizanne Kapp, Dané van Niekerk, and Karabo Meso, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the team.
- Experienced fast bowler Shabnim Ismail returns to the team, bringing 113 T20I caps and a record 123 wickets, boosting the team's strength.
In recent years, the Proteas have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the T20I format. Coach
“Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances,”
“
“When you get there, it’s just having the confidence to go and execute your skill.
Wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso also returned to the team from a wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent T20I series against
Laura Wolvaardt will continue to captain the side, with the biggest inclusion being that of highly experienced fast bowler
