Facing England in their first match is as tough as it gets for South Africa, but it’s a challenge they welcome. It will also be a good gauge of their progress over the past year leading into the global showpiece.

In the last two World Cups, England managed to beat South Africa in the semi-finals, and the Proteas are determined to make an earlier statement against the Three Lionesses. The good news for South Africa is that many of their experienced players were part of those semi-finals, and they are stronger, more seasoned, and largely in good form.

Heather Knight  and Laura Wolvaardt in Kimberley. Photo: Cricinfo

Captain Laura Wolvaardt, who rarely disappoints, admitted it will be a tough task but said the team is ready and excited for the challenge against their highly rated opponents.

“We’re very excited to get going. Obviously, England are a very strong side, but we really enjoy playing against them in World Cups,” said the influential skipper.

“I think they’ve beaten us in the semi-finals in the last two editions of this tournament, so we’re really keen to get a good start against them tomorrow. Beating a team like that early on sets the tone for the competition.

“We’ve got a really strong group of players here, we’ve prepared well, and we’re really looking forward to that game.”

Wolvaardt added that the team is also determined to make its mark on international cricket and is inspired by the men’s team, who earlier this year beat Australia at Lord’s in the final to win the World Test Championship and were crowned world champions.

“The men winning that World Test Championship has been incredible - it’s amazing to see how the country supported them and how everyone back home was united behind them,” Wolvaardt said.

Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt. Photo: Cricinfo

“So hopefully we’ll have the chance to do something similar and really get the country behind us in this tournament. We’re aiming to do something special.

“Of course, there’s a lot of rain around. We’ll have to be as adaptable as possible. The weather apps are quite unpredictable; even if they say it’s going to rain, you never really know. We’ll just have to adjust in the game and deal with whatever comes our way.”

Friday’s World Cup opener for South Africa against England at the Barsapara Cricket Ground is scheduled to start at 11:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs

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