Ayabonga Khaka, the seasoned South African pacer, marked her 100th appearance in the ODI format in the third and final ICC Women’s Championship One-Day International between Proteas Women and Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
In a clash brimming with significance, South Africa lost the tie by 6 wickets (33 balls remaining) in Potchefstroom to share the series 1-all, in spite of an awe-inspiring century by Laura Wolvaardt in posting an asking total of 301-5 in the first innings, and Khaka’s own reliable 2/54 off 8 overs, the bowling side’s best result.
The Proteas Women star has come a long way since making her debut in 2012.
“I’m not the person that always looks at milestones. I enjoy playing for my country and I am honoured that I will have a possibility to achieve that tomorrow.”
Ayabonga Khaka speaking on the eve of receiving her 100th cap
With the world’s eyes on her, the iXesi-born seamer made history as she stepped onto the field, becoming the ninth Proteas Women player to achieve the monumental 100-cap mark in ODI cricket.
In the groundbreaking moment, Khaka etched her name as the first black African woman – and only the third Black African cricketer – to achieve a century of matches in the 50-over format in the history of South African cricket.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding her achievement, the DP World Lions bowler reflects on her journey as one of the pioneering black female cricketers, following in the footsteps of esteemed predecessors.
“To be honest, I’m just a cricketer. I’ll take it that I’m achieving a milestone that other people have achieved. I’m not looking at it as I’m the first one, but I’m grateful to be part of the group that has achieved that. We have had great players before me and I’m just honoured to be part of them.”
With her name set to be carved alongside South Africa’s cricketing great Makhaya Ntini and legend-in-the-making Kagiso Rabada, Khaka finding solace in her role models and drawing inspiration from their legacy.
“I always looked up to Makhaya Ntini when I was growing up. I could relate to him because we’re coming from the same parts of the country. And with KG (Rabada), he’s still going, he’s still a youngster, but with the experience that he has, he’s showing (up) each and every day. I’m grateful to be part of that list with those two great guys.”
As Khaka prepares to write another chapter in her career, memories of past battles and triumphs linger as she pinpointed her most memorable ODI performance in a South African shirt.
“The game against West Indies at Wanderers…I’ll take that one,” she reminisced, highlighting her maiden five-wicket haul recorded in the Super Over defeat against the West Indies on home soil in January 2022.
Original Copy: Cricket South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Seasoned pacer Ayabonga Khaka became the first black African woman to achieve a 100 ODI appearances for the Proteas Women in the third ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Photo: CSA Media
Photo 2 Caption: Humility marks this South African sporting heroine: “To be honest, I’m just a cricketer. We have had great players before me, and I’m just honoured to be part of them.” Photo: CSA Media
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