Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt was pleased to see her side secure a fourth consecutive victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, but admitted South Africa made life more difficult than it needed to be in the chase against Bangladesh.
South Africa successfully chased down 118 to keep their semi-final hopes alive, but the victory was far from straightforward as the Proteas stumbled to a four-wicket win with four balls to spare.
Asked why the batting innings became so tense, Wolvaardt pointed to the team’s mindset.
“I think today, we needed a win and it’s a bit frustrating how we got ourselves into that position,” she said.
“I think maybe just a bit of a mindset thing today. I think knowing that we only needed to chase 120, maybe batted a bit within ourselves and didn’t really go to our positive options early enough.”
Wolvaardt believes the slow nature of the pitch required South Africa to be more proactive.
“They were bowling really slow on a slowish wicket, but I think in situations like that, we’ve got to take the braver option earlier.”
Despite the nervy finish, the Proteas achieved what mattered most.
“We won the game, we got our points, and now we sit and watch the next game.”
The South African captain admitted she has not quite found her best form with the bat despite entering the tournament full of confidence.
“Coming into this tournament I was feeling really good, so kind of annoyed to have lost it along the way a little bit,” Wolvaardt said.
“I think I may be just trying to force it a little bit too much, not letting the ball quite come to me and play my normal game.”
However, she is confident a return to form is not far away.
“Hopefully some rhythm comes back if we do make it through.”
“I think I just need one or two shots to go my way and then I think I’ll be back.”
While South Africa’s batting came under pressure, the bowling attack once again laid the platform for victory.
Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail combined brilliantly with the new ball, continuing a partnership that has become one of the Proteas’ biggest strengths during the tournament.
“I think Kapp is world-class,” Wolvaardt said.
“When the ball’s moving around like that, I think might as well use her overs early because she can bowl really well up front and get us way ahead of the game.”
The return of Ismail has also provided Wolvaardt with greater flexibility as captain.
“We have the likes of Shabnim now as well, so we can maybe hold one of them back and use that over a bit later.”
“It’s been really nice having the both of them.”
Wolvaardt believes the experienced pair have transformed South Africa’s new-ball attack.
“Kapp hits an area over and over, and she’s played here countless times and taken a lot of wickets here at Lord’s.”
“Shibby just brings that little extra pace to our attack that we’ve probably lacked since she retired.”
“It’s been a huge difference having both of them open the bowling.”
“But I think it’ll be pretty stressful come the second innings.”
Looking back on the group stage, Wolvaardt believes South Africa can be proud of the way they responded after opening the tournament with defeat to Australia.
“I think after that first loss we needed to win four in a row and we’ve done that.”
“So now it’s out of our hands and we cross our fingers.”
After Australia’s win over India, the Proteas Women secured their semi-final spot against England on 2 July.
Although England have impressed throughout the tournament, Wolvaardt believes South Africa can compete with anyone at their best.
“They’re looking very good at the moment.”
“But at the same time, I think we’ve had the upper hand in knockout games in recent tournaments.”
“I think if we play a really good game of cricket, we can beat anyone on our day.”
PHOTO CREDIT: ICC/GETTY IMAGES