Cape Town – The Proteas Women are fired up and ready to take on Ireland in their T20 International (T20I) series! Captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed the team's excitement ahead of the opening match at the World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town this Friday. The game kicks off at 14h00 (SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand (Ch. 201).
Speaking to the media, Wolvaardt reflected on the team’s preparations and their expectations for the three-match series against Ireland, which will also see the teams travel to Paarl and Benoni. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup just around the corner, the pressure is on to fine-tune their game.
World Cup Dreams: Will This Be The Year?
Wolvaardt acknowledged the fast-approaching World Cup, expressing satisfaction with the team reaching three consecutive World Cup finals. However, she emphasised the need to finally clinch the title. "It's crazy that it's so soon. It feels like we've just come off the World Cup and there's another one in a few months' time," she said.
"We've been playing some good cricket. Obviously, that final hurdle is still in front of us, three in a row. I think we're doing a lot of things right to keep making those finals. But yeah, I think just playing a good game once we reach that stage again."
Respect for the Irish
Wolvaardt expects a competitive series against Ireland, highlighting their unique brand of cricket and the presence of talented players like captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast. "They're a good side. They have a lot of really good individual players. Gaby Lewis has sort of played around the world. I've played a bit with Orla Prendergast as well. She's a really good cricketer. Players like that can sort of take the game away."
The Proteas Women are focused and determined to use this series as valuable preparation for the upcoming World Cup. Will they be able to overcome the Irish challenge and build momentum towards their ultimate goal?