South Africa’s women’s cricket team will be sporting personalized shirts with the names of their closest loved ones during the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. This heartwarming initiative aims to provide a reminder of their support system and inspire them to perform their best on the field. The team, led by Laura Wolvaardt, hopes to carry this special message of support and connection with them as they strive for victory in the UAE.
South Africa has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, with Laura Wolvaardt named as captain for the first time in an ICC event. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and new faces, aiming to build upon their strong performance last year.
South Africa’s valiant effort in the one-off Test against India in Chennai, despite a heavy defeat, underscored the need for more women’s Test cricket. The Proteas’ resilience, particularly Laura Wolvaardt’s 122 and Sune Luus’s crucial innings, showcased the format’s potential for thrilling battles. The match also brought to light the disparity in experience and opportunity between the top Test-playing nations and those like South Africa who lack domestic red-ball structures. This compelling performance has added further weight to the calls for increased investment in women’s Test cricket, both within and across international boundaries.
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu has regained the top position in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings after her record-breaking 195 not out against South Africa. The milestone marked her ninth ODI century and the highest score in a successful chase in the format. Athapaththu’s performance saw her overtake Natalie Sciver-Brunt of England, who had previously held the top spot. Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa and Hayley Mathews of the West Indies also made significant gains in the rankings, highlighting the competitiveness of the women’s game.
