Laura Wolvaardt has described South Africa's back-to-back appearances in the Women's T20 World Cup finals as a big achievement for the side, while admitting that they ended up on the losing side on both occasions has only strengthened their determination to finally lift the title.
Laura Wolvaardt opens up on SA's preparation for T20 WC
SA entered the competition with huge expectations after finishing runners-up in two straight Women's T20 WC in 2023 and 2024. The Poteas also fell just short in the ODI World Cup which took place last year, a run of near-misses that has only intensified their hunger to win a big ICC title.
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South Africa lost the chance to become the T20 champions after losing to New Zealand in the final. It happened to be the first T20 WC for New Zealand.
“Reaching back-to-back T20 World Cup finals has obviously been very special for us as a team, but I think it has also made us even hungrier to go one step further," wrote Wolvaardt in her column for ICC.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will take place in England and Wales in June from June 12, SA boosted their confidence with a strong 4-1 T20I series win over India in April.
“The India series was another good test against one of the strongest teams in the world. Winning that series gave the group a lot of confidence, but more importantly, it showed the ability and resilience within the squad," said Wolvaardt.
Opening up on the preparation, Laura has expressed that everything has been great so far, especially the success on tours against New Zealand and India, saying this kind of series gives a chance to test the side in different aspects.
“The India series was another good test against one of the strongest teams in the world. Winning that series gave the group a lot of confidence, but more importantly, it showed the ability and resilience within the squad," added Wolvaardt.
SA will open their campaign in the T20 World Cup against Australia on Saturday, June 13 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Stretford.