As South Africa readies for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE, captain Laura Wolvaardt is focused on propelling her team further after their impressive journey in the previous edition. Having reached their maiden final in 2023, Wolvaardt views this upcoming tournament as a crucial opportunity to advance women’s cricket in South Africa.
Reflecting on the 2023 World Cup, Wolvaardt emphasised the significance of reaching the final. This achievement not only set a new standard for the team but also inspired future generations of South African cricketers.
"Reaching our first-ever World Cup final in 2023 was a huge milestone for us. It marked a moment where we broke barriers and pushed the limits as a team," she told the ICC.
Despite their success, Wolvaardt is determined to elevate South Africa’s standing by winning their first T20 World Cup title. Her focus on improvement reflects the team's desire to turn past experiences into future triumphs.
"Before that [2023 T20 World Cup], we had made it to the semi-finals multiple times, so advancing to the final meant a lot to us. Now, we want to go one step further and lift the trophy. But in a T20 final, anything can happen after fighting through the entire tournament," she added.
The upcoming tournament, held in Sharjah and Dubai, presents unique challenges, as no team will benefit from familiar conditions. Wolvaardt expressed her excitement about competing on neutral ground.
"I’m really excited about the T20 World Cup in Dubai and Sharjah. What’s intriguing is that it’s a neutral venue for all teams. Most sides have played there infrequently, so there’s a level playing field, which adds to the anticipation," Wolvaardt explained.
Adapting to the conditions will be critical, and Wolvaardt stressed the importance of flexibility. "It will be interesting to see which team can adjust quickly and master the conditions," she noted.
With Wolvaardt at the helm, South Africa is determined to overcome challenges and make history by claiming their first T20 World Cup title.