The Proteas head into the global showpiece carrying the weight of expectation after finishing as runners-up at the previous two T20 World Cups – in South Africa in 2023 and the United Arab Emirates in 2024. 

They also reached the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in India in 2025, underlining their growing status as one of the leading teams in the women’s game.

South Africa head to England in a confident mood after a successful T20 International series against India, who are also in their pool for the tournament. 

Earlier this year, they also faced Pakistan at home, while six-time champions Australia will provide the first major test of their campaign.

There was a calm but determined atmosphere in the Proteas camp before the squad boarded their flight to the United Kingdom on Monday. With recent World Cup success has come greater expectation, and it is a challenge Laura Wolvaardt’s side will need to embrace over the coming weeks.

Before the team departed, Mashimbyi said he was pleased with the groundwork laid during preparations in South Africa and believes the squad are mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

“We did a team builder, which I thought was very important for us to just realign and also increase that belief,” said Mashimbyi.

Suné Luus. Photo: Cricinfo

“Those sessions went really, really well. From a skill point of view, it’s just about pumping their tyres and giving them the confidence needed for them to go in there and actually play the way they want to play.

“In terms of prep, I’m pretty happy and pretty content. I’m looking forward to it when we get there, and I’m pretty confident that the girls will bring the fire.”

The former Eagles (Knights) fast bowler added trusting the process and remaining mentally strong would be crucial during the pressure moments of a World Cup.

“The biggest thing is trusting your prep and also understanding that you’re going to go through slumps in your thinking patterns, and it’s about how quickly you go back into the green zone.”

Annerie Dercksen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think the girls have taken that in very, very well. In terms of ability, I’ve never seen a problem with our ability.

“It’s maybe just one or two things that you need to align to make sure they get the right confidence. In terms of that, I think we’re really on the right track.”

Mashimbyi also believes the warm-up fixtures and the opening clash against Australia will help the Proteas fine-tune combinations ahead of the business end of the tournament.

“The match against Australia and the warm-up games will be an opportunity for us to try different combinations, and for the players to try out different options from a bowling and batting point of view.”

“I think it comes down to belief, and once the belief is there, execution will be top tier as well. I’ve just been assessing the vibes, and it’s been really, really good. They can’t wait to get on that plane and start really getting their World Cup caps on. It’s going to be fun.”

Mashimbyi welcomed the challenge of playing in a tough group, insisting there are no shortcuts if South Africa want to lift their first ICC trophy.

“One thing that remains the main thing is the fact that if you want to be the best, you’ve got to be able to beat the best,” he added.

Tazmin Brits. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We don’t look at it as a challenge; we look at it as an opportunity for us to really make a big statement in all of those games. Not only the three, but the five games that we’ll be playing – it’s about us making a statement.”

The Proteas will open their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Australia at the iconic Old Trafford in Manchester on 13 June.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg