Fresh from their away T20I series win against Pakistan, the Proteas Women begin their 2024 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup campaign against the West Indies at the West Indies Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE, on Friday, 4 October, 2024.
As the 2024 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup kicks off in the UAE, the Proteas Women are embracing a heartfelt message, “Always Rising – For Me, For Her, For Them, For All, For South Africa, For The Proteas.”
This powerful campaign highlights their deep connection with fans, family, and their beloved country, reminding them of the unwavering support that fuels their ambition.
“Carrying a piece of home with me during the tournament gives me strength. I know I’m not alone out there.”
Proteas Women Captain, Laura Wolvaardt
In a touching tribute, the players will don customised shirts with embroidered names of family members and close friends. These names, between one and five individuals with special significance to the wearer are stitched on the inside of their collars and hems, allowing each player to carry a piece of home into the heat of competition.
“It’s such a special touch! When I look down and see the names of those most important to me, it reminds me to always give my best.”
Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, who honoured her mother and counsellor
Beyond the emotional bonds, the Proteas Women will focus on key tactical elements to build on their 2023 T20 World Cup finalist performance. Adapting to the slower pitches and extreme heat of the UAE is essential. Spin bowling, led by the talents of Nonkululeko Mlaba and new-comer Seshnie Naidu, will be critical in controlling opposition batters on turning tracks.
A consistent top order, with openers like Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, will need to lay solid foundations. The middle order must then capitalise with power-hitting in the death overs, aiming to add crucial runs to either defend or chase competitive totals.
Handling pressure is a key focus for the Proteas. As finalists in 2023, they understand the importance of staying composed in high-stakes moments, especially during close finishes. Their depth in both bowling and batting will offer flexibility, and managing overs strategically will be crucial to adapting to the UAE’s unique conditions.
With their heartfelt campaign and tactical precision, the Proteas Women are ready to rise and inspire a nation once again.
South Africa will begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a match against the West Indies on Friday, the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
South Africa and Knock-Out Fixtures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, from 3 – 20 October
Fri, 4 Oct 12h00: 1st T20I: South Africa vs West Indies (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Mon, 7 Oct 16h00: 2nd T20I: England vs South Africa (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
Wed, 9 Oct 12h00: 3rd T20I: South Africa vs Scotland (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Sat, 12 Oct 16h00: 4th T20I: Bangladesh vs South Africa (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Thu, 17 Oct 16h00: Semi-final 1 (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Fri, 18 Oct 16h00: Semi-final 2 (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
Sun, 20 Oct 16h00: Final (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Proteas Women Squad – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (United Arab Emirates)
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans)
Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans)
Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions)
Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers)
Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers)
Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions)
Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions)
Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans)
Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions)
Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State)
Fixtures for the Proteas Women’s Outbound T20I Series against Pakistan 16 – 20 September at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Mon, 16 Sep: 1st T20I – Pakistan lost to South Africa by 10 runs
Wed, 18 Sep: 2nd T20I – Pakistan beat South Africa by 13 runs
Fri, 20 Sep: 3rd T20I – Pakistan lost to South Africa by 8 wickets (with 9 balls rem.)
South Africa’s Warm Up Fixtures at the ICC Academy in Dubai
Sun, 29 Sep 16h00: 1st Warm-up T20I: New Zealand beat South Africa by 8 wickets (with 34 balls rem.)
Tue, 1 Oct 16h00: 2nd Warm-up T20I: India beat South Africa by 28 runs
Photo Caption: Fresh from their away T20I series win against Pakistan, the Proteas Women begin their 2024 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup campaign against the West Indies at the West Indies Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE, on Friday, 4 October, 2024. All Photos: Cricket SA