In front of a raucous Newlands crowd, a record-breaking South Africa team is prepared to risk all to compete against cricketing titans Australia. South Africa rode the emotional wave created by a vocal Cape Town crowd on Friday with relative calm, shocking England in the semi-final and securing victory in the field. South Africa did this by qualifying for their first senior tournament final and shattering an unwanted record for South African sides in ICC global events.
Sune Luus, the team’s captain who led them to their first competition victory, believes that maintaining composure while the crowd cheers for them will make all the difference. “We are aware of the situation. Absolutely, we are aware of all the implications of the outcome and the presence of the World Cup trophy in South Africa “says Luus. But I believe that for us, the key is to maintain as much composure as we can, keep our attention on what we do best, and have faith in our abilities; the outcome will take care of itself.
South Africa in the final Women’s T20 World Cup
Thousands of people waited in line on the street of Newlands on Saturday morning as internet tickets sold out, eager to watch their countrymen take on the reigning champions. As to how the side can cause an all-time upset, plan A of a strong opening partnership with the bat, setting a tough target, and defending with a dearth of bowlers as the sun sets over Table Mountain is likely South Africa’s best chance of upsetting Meg Lanning’s side.
Also Read: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023: Hosts South Africa thrash Bangladesh to seal semi spot
Openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt laid the platform against England, unbeaten at the drinks break and putting on 96 for the first wicket inside 14 overs. The pair’s foundation led to a total of 164, allowing the bowlers to build into their work in defending the total. Luus paid tribute to the timing of Brits and Wolvaardt finding their groove as the tournament ramps up to its crescendo.
“They’re finding their stride and their confidence at the right time,” Luus added. “I think they’ve shown their class and they’ve proven a lot of people wrong. And I think they have the confidence at the moment to just go out tomorrow, play their game and hopefully get us off to a good start again.” It is evident that the Proteas campaign has already accomplished a great deal, but Luus is eager to make a statement with a potent conclusion.
Also Read: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan’s opener joins elite club in Women’s T20 World Cup history
If you don’t take women’s cricket seriously right now, Luus said, “I guess there’s no chance for you, whatever you are.” I don’t believe we can do much more to demonstrate to the nation that we are committed to women’s cricket in this country now that we are in the final. The cricket team from South Africa has essentially already won. The team has motivated the following generation to take up the sport by raising a nation off its feet, bringing people through turnstiles, and bringing them in front of televisions.
The nation will undoubtedly benefit in the years to follow, but the Proteas have a chance on Sunday to change the face of cricket as they are almost in the midst of their own “Australia 2020” moment. No matter the outcome, the feeling of a packed house will undoubtedly leave a positive impression at Newlands, which may not have 86,000 seats as the MCG did three years ago.
Also Read: Danni Wyatt: England opener eyeing T20 World Cup glory following on from WPL ‘heartbreak’
According to Luus, many positive outcomes from the World Cup have already been seen in this nation. “I believe that our purpose was to uplift the country, promote women’s cricket in South Africa, encourage young boys and girls to pick up a bat and ball, and, I suppose, just to enhance the profile of women’s sports in South Africa in general. “I believe we are doing an excellent job in that regard. Hopefully, (the final) will merely be a further step in that direction.