South Africa head into the tournament with belief and growing confidence after reaching the final of the last two editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup. They were also runners-up at last year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup, and there is renewed hope that this talented squad can finally go one step further and bring home a major ICC trophy.

The Proteas face a daunting task in the group stages, where they will come up against powerhouse nations Australia and India, as well as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands in their quest to reach the playoffs.

Before the tournament officially begins, South Africa will have an early opportunity to test themselves against Australia in a warm-up clash – the very same side they will face in their opening fixture of the competition.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt believes the match will provide the ideal gauge of where the squad stands ahead of the tournament.

“It’s a little bit strange that the warm-up games are against the same team we’ll face in our opening match, but I think any game time is really valuable,” the in-form batter said.

“I’m pretty sure we also have two warm-up games during the tournament, just to mix things up a bit. Australia has obviously been the best side in the world over the last few years, so any opportunity to test ourselves against them is valuable.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s also a warm-up game, so we’ll be able to try a few different things and test out combinations before the actual World Cup starts.”

The Proteas have quietly gone about their preparations in South Africa, combining intense training sessions with team-building activities away from the cricket field.

The squad recently spent time together in the bush as part of a bonding getaway aimed at strengthening unity and sharpening focus ahead of the global showpiece.

Laura Wolvaardt during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Photo: Cricinfo

“We’ve had a really good few days together,” said Wolvaardt.

“We first got together for some team building and spent some time away in the bush doing activities together, but we also had some really productive chats about how we’re going to approach the next few weeks.

“It was really good to get everyone on the same page, and it feels like we’re all working towards a common goal and are really together on what we’re trying to do.

Laura Wolvaardt against Australia during the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Photo: ICC

“The last two days have been more focused on training and breaking things down into specifics, and we still have a few more training days when we get over there.

“It’s all starting to feel very real now, and we’re really excited.”

South Africa will launch their World Cup campaign in Manchester when they take on Australia at the iconic Old Trafford on 13 June.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  sm