Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Wolvaardt hopes Proteas Women can let out their frustration against Kiwis
THE Proteas Women aim to use what’s left of the remainder of their T20 International series against
New Zealand to build for next year’s World Cup.
The two matches will be held at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, with the first game kicking off today at 2pm.
It’s been a slow start to the series as three encounters have been rained out at Buffalo Park in East London over the past week. “These two games are just really good preparation for the World Cup,” said SA captain Laura Wolvaardt.
“We’ll be looking to be really aggressive and show good intent with the bat, especially with how the women’s game is going and how T20 cricket is going.
“These are sort of free hit games to try what you want to try and express yourself in the field. I think New Zealand will be feeling the same way, so I expect an exciting game of cricket.”
Wolvaardt described the players’ frustration during their stay in East London, and spoke of the team’s excitement to get back on the park this afternoon.
“It’s been a very frustrating 10 days,” the right-handed batter said.
“We didn’t even have that many training sessions because all the facilities were wet the whole time.
So, a lot of reading books and a lot of time in the room.
“I think waiting around at the game is the most frustrating part, because you’re trying to stay switched on. We’re just really excited to play some cricket now.”
Heading into the T20I series, the Proteas Women were fresh from an ODI series triumph over the same New Zealand team.
Wolvaardt hopes the team will not lose their momentum coming into the remaining games.
“I hope not (that SA have lost momentum),” said Wolvaardt.
“We at least got one full fielding session in the second game, which was good. We bowled and fielded really well in that game.
“At least we were able to have our bowlers get a run-through, so they can keep ticking over. It’s never nice going a week without batting. We had a good session this morning, so hopefully, we can hit the ground running tomorrow.”