South Africa’s World Cup Report: Tournament hosts step up to the challenge
Wins – 4
Losses – 1
Finishing position – Fourth in Super Six Group 1
The Proteas were unfortunate to miss out on a semi-final spot after winning four of their five matches, with net run rate proving decisive.
The loss to India on the opening weekend was ultimately their undoing, but South Africa grew into the tournament well after that defeat.
And their wins over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the Super Six stage were high-quality matches that showed enough to suggest that there are some serious talents in this South African generation. Expect plenty of these players to crop up in senior squads down the line.
Sonali Dhulap was part of the ICC’s team on the ground in South Africa, and had this to say about her experiences working with and alongside the squad:
“As tournament hosts, South Africa had a different kind of pressure to contend with. They seemed like a group of smart women, who were excited to work with their mentor and entertain the fans. They enjoyed great support from the local community and whoever I talked to – the groundskeepers, security, volunteers at the event – everyone was rooting for them to go further.
“They did not have a good start but showed great improvement over time and ended up finishing well in their group. They really looked like they were having a lot of fun out there too and some of them definitely have the potential to make it to the senior side.”
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A talented spin-bowling all-rounder, Reyneke finished as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker and second-highest run scorer at the tournament.
She hit two excellent half centuries and produced her best with the ball in the crunch wins over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to close out the campaign on a high.
South Africa’s top-scorer at the tournament, Lourens showed her quality with an excellent innings first up in the loss to India.
The Indian bowling attack went on to be a really dominant force in the tournament, so for a player to look so good against such a standard is a really excellent sign.
Former South Africa captain and ICC Mentor Mignon Dupreez worked with South Africa at the tournament.
“The reason why this tournament is so important is it’s great to give young girls the opportunity to play in tournament cricket and give them a taste of what it’s like.
“It’s been such a wonderful platform to showcase their skills.
“All these girls I’ve worked with are like little sponges, they just want to learn more and more. It’s great to give a little bit back to the game that we love.”
India – Lost by 7 wickets
Scotland – Won by 44 runs
UAE – Won by 45 runs
Bangladesh – Won by 5 wickets
Sri Lanka – Won by 1 run