The hosts South Africa will begin their campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup on February 10 against Sri Lanka in Cape Town. The Sune Luus-led side will go into the tournament high on confidence after winning the tri-series involving India and West Indies this week.
In the tournament played in East London, they defeated West Indies twice in the group stages. Against India, they lost the opening match of the group stage. However, in the finals, the story was completely different.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India could just post 109 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 20 overs. Disciplined bowling from the Proteas and a difficult track made stroke-playing very difficult. Shabnim Ismail stood out in the powerplay as she bowled two maidens. Nonkululeko Mlaba made full use of the conditions and scalped a couple of wickets. With the bat, Chloe Tryon played a blistering inning of 57 off 32 balls to take South Africa home.
The 33-year-old Marizanne Kapp finished as the highest run-scorer for her side with 74 runs in 2 innings. One shocking omission from the South African team is Dane van Niekerk. She is the highest run-scorer for the Proteas in Women’s T20 World Cups. However, she won’t be seen in action this time.
The pitches in Buffalo Park, East London were conducive to spin bowling. South African spinners led by Mlaba made full use of the conditions. The batting department also looks settled. On home conditions, South Africa will definitely be a team to look out for.
They have been placed in Group A alongside Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
South Africa squad:
Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Lara Goodall, Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Shabnim Ismail, Tazmin Brits, Masabata Klaas, Laura Wolvaardt, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Sune Luus (c), Anneke Bosch, Delmi Tucker
Non-travelling reserves: Micaéla Andrews, Tebogo Macheke, Tumi Sekhukhune.
Schedule:
February 10, Friday: South Africa vs Sri Lanka – Cape Town – 10:30 PM IST
February 13, Monday: South Africa vs New Zealand – Paarl – 10:30 PM IST
February 18, Saturday: South Africa vs Australia – Gqeberha – 10:30 PM IST
February 21, Tuesday: South Africa vs Bangladesh – Cape Town – 10:30 PM IST
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