CAPE TOWN — Captain Laura Wolvaardt says the Proteas Women are itching to charge out of the pavilion and let the willow sing as they prepare to host Ireland in a three-match T20I series, beginning Friday at World Sports Betting Newlands.
The action begins at 14:00 (SAST), carried live on SuperSport Grandstand (Ch. 201).
This is a perfect stage for South Africa to sharpen their blades as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaches at a sprinting pace.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Wolvaardt reflected on a squad that has been tightening its fielding, polishing its strokes, and plotting their path as the series rolls through Paarl and Benoni.
With three consecutive World Cup finals already in the scorebook, she admitted the final hurdle still feels like a stubborn last wicket refusing to fall.
“It’s wild how quickly the next World Cup is rushing toward us,” she said. “We’ve been playing strong cricket. It’s just that final step remains. Three finals in a row shows we’re doing many things right. Now we want to finish the job.”
As part of their run-up to the global tournament, Wolvaardt expects Ireland to come in swinging. She highlighted the threat of Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast, players capable of flipping a match the way a sharp turner flips a batter’s off stump.
“They’re a fearless young side,” she noted.
“Players like Gaby and Orla can take the game away in a few overs. We’ll need our plans landing on a good length all series long.”
Returning to Newlands for the first time since their historic 2023 World Cup run, Wolvaardt admitted the homecoming feels like stepping onto her favourite crease which is familiar, comforting, and energizing.
“There’s truly no place like home. Cape Town just lights me up.”
