Proteas’ Laura Wolvaardt: ‘Every player dreams of winning the World Cup’
South Africa’s Women’s Cricket Team, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt (2nd from right), is poised to make a strong impact in the Women’s World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka, aiming to inspire the nation and achieve their dream of winning the prestigious tournament. Picture: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP
Image: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP
As the Proteas begin their Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign on Friday against England, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt has not minced her words, saying her side is ready to go all the way.
The tournament is being hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The Proteas have twice reached the final in ICC events dating back to the 2023 event, which South Africa hosted.
Incidentally, the women’s side reached the final of a World Cup before the much-fancied men’s team did. The Proteas men achieved that feat for the first time in 2024 in the T20 World Cup final, which they lost to India.
Wolvaardt’s Vision: Inspiring a Nation with the Women’s World Cup
“(Winning the World Cup) would be massive. Obviously, ODI World Cups come around every four years, so it’s a very rare opportunity,” Wolvaardt told SportsBoom.co.za.
“It’s something that every cricketer dreams of, winning a World Cup and ODI World Cup, probably even more so.”
The 26-year-old Wolvaardt said her charges take inspiration from the men’s side, who triumphed in the World Test Championship final in June.
“Just to see what the men have done with the World Test Championship, how it sort of unites the country and how many people have rallied behind them, and we’re so proud of them. So, hopefully, we can unite the country and make everyone proud as well. I think it would be so massive for the women’s game in the country as well.”
It is indeed a powerful Proteas side that will take to the field in Guwahati, India, in a couple of days, and Wolvaardt had high expectations.
“A lot of people are in form. Tazmin is on two 100s on the trot, and I think these conditions really suit players like Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon, and some of our spin attacks.
So, I’m really looking forward to it and really excited to see them perform.”