Proteas determined to cross final hurdle at T20WC

Three finals in as many years, two of which have been at the most recent editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. South Africa have come close to clinching their maiden ICC senior women’s title, and fallen agonisingly short of it.

At the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales however, skipper Laura Wolvaardt believes her side will walk in hungrier than ever to taste the silverware.

"Reaching back-to-back T20 World Cup finals has obviously been very special for us as a team but I think it’s also made us even hungrier to go one step further,” Wolvaardt wrote in the ICC column.

It was last month that the Proteas Women featured in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final in India, coming up short against the co-hosts.

In the lead-up to this summer’s marquee event however, South Africa have derived major inspiration from a 4-1 T20I series win against Harmanpreet Kaur and Co.

“The India series was another good test against one of the strongest teams in the world,” Wolvaardt believes.

“Winning that series gave the group a lot of confidence but more importantly, it showed the ability and resilience within the squad.

“Players stepped up at different times and that’s something you need at a World Cup.”

In addition to a dominant display from the team, Wolvaardt finished the five-T20I series with a staggering 330 runs to her name. This included a century and three half-centuries as she scored runs at a strike rate of 168.37.

“Personally, it’s been one of my most enjoyable seasons,” Wolvaardt concedes.

“I think a big part of that has come from clarity in my game and just enjoying my cricket. I’ve tried not to put too much pressure on myself and instead focus on contributing to the team in whatever way is needed.”

The Proteas side were also bolstered ahead of the tournament by the return of pacer Shabnim Ismail for the T20 World Cup.

Wolvaardt shares that the inclusion of Ismail not only powers them on the field but also off it.

“Having Shabnim Ismail back is very exciting for us. Everyone knows the quality and experience she brings.

“She’s one of the best fast bowlers in the world and someone who can change a game very quickly.

“Beyond her skill, she also brings a level of gees (Afrikaans word for vibe) to the group and I know the team is really happy to have her back in Proteas colours again, to hopefully help us go that one step further and lift the trophy.”

South Africa are slotted in Group 1 of the Women’s T20 World Cup alongside India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.

The upcoming edition is set to be the grandest in the tournament history with a record prize money pool of $8 764 615, marking a 10% rise from the 2024 edition.

Wolvaardt sees it as a major step for the growth of the women’s game.

“The increase in prize money for this tournament is hugely important for the women’s game. It’s another strong statement about how far the game has come and where it’s heading.

“For young girls watching around the world, seeing the investment and opportunities continue to grow makes a massive difference. It shows that women’s cricket is being taken seriously and valued on the global stage.

“I think the ICC has made it very clear through things like this that there is real intent to continue growing the women’s game around the world. We’ve already seen incredible progress over the last few years in terms of, crowds, broadcast coverage and overall interest in the women’s game and I think this is another important step in that journey.”

Proteas’ ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Shabnim Ismail (DP World Lions), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province).

Management

Mandla Mashimbyi (Head coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (Team Manager), Dillon du Preez (Bowling Coach), Andrew Puttick (Batting Coach), Mduduzi Mbatha (Fielding Coach), Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst), Claire Terblanche (Coach), Dr Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor), Neline Hoffman-Kellerman (Physiotherapist), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Happiness Mesi (Massage Therapist and Logistics), Dr Koketjo Tsebe (Team Psychologist), Lita Gqirana (Media Manager) and Zahid Shaik (Security Liason Officer).

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Groups

Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands

Group 2: West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland

Proteas Fixtures - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (All times SAST)

Saturday, 13 June at 3.30pm - Old Trafford, Manchester

South Africa v Australia

Wednesday, 17 June at 7.30pm - Edgbaston, Birmingham

South Africa v Pakistan

Sunday, 21 June at 3.30pm - Old Trafford, Manchester

South Africa v India

Thursday, 25 June at 7.30pm - Bristol County Ground, Bristol

South Africa v Netherlands

Sunday, 28 June at 11.30am - Lord’s, London

South Africa v Bangladesh