Cricket

The Adelaide Strikers dealt a significant blow to the Perth Scorchers' WBBL finals aspirations with a commanding 30-run victory at Karen Rolton Oval.The Strikers, who have won the past two WBBL titles, posted a competitive 169 for 6, thanks to contributions from Laura Wolvaardt (41), Smriti Mandhana (41), and Katie Mack (41).The Scorchers' chase got off to a disastrous start as Megan Schutt wreaked havoc with the new ball, dismissing Maddy Darke, Dayalan Hemalatha, and Amy Edgar in quick succession. Beth Mooney and Brooke Halliday attempted to salvage the innings, but the task proved too daunting.Schutt finished with impressive figures of 3 for 19, while Alana King claimed 3 for 29 for the Strikers.The victory lifted the Strikers from the bottom of the ladder to seventh place, while the Scorchers remain in fifth spot with two games remaining. However, the Scorchers' run rate deficit to fourth-placed Hobart Hurricanes makes their finals chances appear slim.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament, recognizing the outstanding performances of players throughout the competition. India's skipper Harmanpreet Kaur stands as the sole Indian representative in the prestigious lineup.Kaur emerged as a beacon of hope for India amidst a challenging campaign. She topped the team's scoring charts and ranked fourth overall in the tournament, amassing 150 runs in four innings. Her two half-centuries propelled her to an impressive average of 150 and a strike rate of 133.92, the fifth-best in the competition. Kaur's blistering 52 off 27 balls against Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in keeping India's semifinal hopes alive.South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, the tournament's captain, provided a solid foundation for her team at the top of the order. She surpassed 30 runs in all but one of her games, including four scores over 40. Her highest score came in South Africa's opening match, but it was her resilient 42 in the semi-final that laid the groundwork for a successful chase against Australia.Tazmin Brits, South Africa's opener, formed a formidable partnership with Wolvaardt, driving the team to the final. Brits accumulated 187 runs in six innings, averaging an impressive 37.40. She surpassed 40 runs in three innings, including a match-winning unbeaten 57 in South Africa's opening fixture against the West Indies.England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge emerged as a firecracker at the top of the order, notching up the most runs for her side. She registered scores of 40+ in each of England's first three games. Wyatt-Hodge's tournament highlight was an unbeaten 26-ball 51 against Scotland, guiding England to a 10-wicket win in a record partnership alongside Maia Bouchier.New Zealand's Melie Kerr, the Player of the Final and the Player of the Tournament, starred in her team's title-winning campaign. She contributed both with the bat and ball, scoring 135 runs in six innings and taking 15 wickets, becoming the tournament's leading wicket-taker. Her impressive 3 for 24 in the final, including the crucial wickets of Wolvaardt and Bosch, was pivotal in New Zealand's victory.Deandra Dottin shone for the West Indies on her return to international cricket. She scored 120 runs in five innings, averaging 40, and played a crucial role in the middle order. Her tournament-high nine sixes were unmatched, and she also contributed with the ball, taking five wickets, including a standout performance of 4 for 22 in the semifinal against New Zealand.Bangladesh's wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana Joty had a standout performance, excelling both behind the stumps and with the bat. She scored 104 runs in four innings, with a top score of 39 against the West Indies. Her best contributions came with the gloves, where she made six stumpings and took one catch, the highest total among wicketkeepers in the tournament.Afy Fletcher came up clutch with the ball for the West Indies, finishing off with the third-most wickets. Despite not picking up a wicket in their opening game, the 37-year-old returned with strong performances, taking 10 wickets in total, including two 3-wicket hauls against Scotland and England.New Zealand's Rosemary Mair bookended her tournament with two outstanding displays. She returned the best figures for the White Ferns in their crucial opening win over India, taking 4/19, and was excellent again in the final, taking 3/25. With probing accuracy and big movement, Mair proved an important weapon for the champions.South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba made her team's tournament come to life with a brilliant 4/29 in their first game against the West Indies. She remained crucial throughout, varying her speeds and lengths to great effect. Her scalp of Tahlia McGrath ended a promising stand for Australia in the semi-final, and she also removed Suzie Bates and Melie Kerr in the final.Australia's reliable pacer Megan Schutt had a typically impactful outing, troubling batters throughout the innings. Her ability to maintain control was matched by her wicket-taking prowess. She was at her best in the group game against New Zealand, striking first and then taking wickets of Melie Kerr and Eden Carson to seal a dominant win for Australia.

In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup final, South Africa elected to bowl first after winning the toss against Australia in the first semi-final of the 2024 edition. The match, played at a pitch with minimal grass cover, marked the absence of Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who continues to recover from an injury.South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, explained her decision to bowl first by stating that the ball "comes on better in the second half." The Proteas fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous match, while Australia retained the same team that narrowly defeated India in their last league game.Australia's batting lineup featured explosive opener Grace Harris and wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney, who has been in impressive form throughout the tournament. South Africa's bowling attack, led by experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and pace bowler Ayabonga Khaka, will be tasked with containing the Australian batters.The pitch, which has hosted two matches in the tournament, is expected to offer assistance to both batters and fast bowlers. The square boundaries are relatively short, measuring 57 and 63 meters, while the straight boundary is 73 meters.South Africa will be aiming to repeat their historic T20I victory over Australia earlier this year, while Australia will be determined to avenge their loss in the previous World Cup final. The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the top teams in women's cricket.

South Africa's women's cricket team made a resounding start to their ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign, crushing West Indies by 10 wickets in Dubai on Friday.West Indies, sent in to bat first, struggled to find momentum against South Africa's disciplined bowling attack. Stafanie Taylor's unbeaten 44 off 41 balls provided some resistance, but the Windies were restricted to a modest total of 118 for six.Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star of the show for South Africa, claiming career-best figures of 4/29. Marizanne Kapp also impressed with 2/14.In reply, South Africa's openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, made light work of the chase. Wolvaardt scored 59 off 55 balls, while Brits contributed 57 off 52 balls. The pair put on an unbroken 119-run partnership to seal the victory with 13 balls to spare.South Africa's bowlers set the tone for the match, maintaining a tight line and length to restrict West Indies' scoring. Hayley Matthews was the first to fall, caught behind off Kapp's bowling. Qiana Joseph was then bowled by Mlaba, and Kapp struck again to dismiss Deandra Dottin.West Indies' middle order failed to provide any substantial contributions, leaving Taylor stranded on 44. The Windies' total of 118 proved to be far too low against a clinical South African batting performance.Wolvaardt and Brits played with confidence and composure, rotating the strike and finding the boundary regularly. They never looked troubled by the West Indies bowling attack, and their partnership ensured a comfortable victory for South Africa.

South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt Anticipates Team's Peak Performance in Women's T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of South Africa's opening match in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 against West Indies, captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed optimism about her team's ability to reach their peak at the right time. The Proteas will face their Group B opponents at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday afternoon.Wolvaardt acknowledged the challenges of the tournament, stating, "We know it's going to be a tough competition, but we're confident in our abilities." She emphasized the importance of consistency and execution, adding, "We need to be consistent in all three departments of the game and execute our plans effectively."The South African skipper highlighted the team's recent performances as a source of encouragement. "We've been playing some good cricket lately, and we're starting to gel as a unit," she said. "We're looking forward to the challenge and believe we can make a strong impact in the tournament."Wolvaardt also praised the team's preparation, saying, "We've had a good build-up to the World Cup, and we're feeling well-prepared." She expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to different conditions and strategies.The Proteas will be looking to make a statement in the tournament after a disappointing performance in the previous edition. Wolvaardt believes her team has the potential to go far. "We have a lot of experience in the team, and we're all hungry for success," she said. "We're determined to make a mark in this World Cup and show the world what we're capable of."

Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa's women's cricket team, emerged as the star of the CSA Annual Awards, bagging five prestigious accolades, including the coveted Women's Player of the Year award. Her exceptional performance in the 2023-24 season earned her recognition as the leading run-scorer in both ODIs and T20Is for South Africa.Wolvaardt's leadership qualities and popularity among her teammates and fans were evident as she also claimed the Players' Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year awards. Marco Jansen, the all-rounder, was named Men's Player of the Year for his impressive contributions, including 17 wickets at the ODI World Cup and notable performances in the Boxing Day Test against India.The awards celebrated achievements from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, excluding performances at the Men's T20 World Cup and Test and T20I series in West Indies, which will be considered at next year's event. The ceremony was held in September to accommodate the availability of nationally contracted players, who are required to attend the event.David Bedingham, who made a strong debut against India and impressed in New Zealand, was recognized as the Test Player of the Year. Quinton de Kock, now retired from ODI cricket, was named ODI Player of the Year for his four centuries at the 2023 World Cup. Reeza Hendricks won the T20I Player of the Year award, being the only South African batter to score a half-century in the period under consideration.Keshav Maharaj, the left-arm spinner who made a remarkable comeback from an Achilles rupture, was voted Players' Player of the Year. Marizanne Kapp's inswinger that dismissed Beth Mooney in South Africa's first ODI win over Australia was adjudged the Best Delivery of the Season. Masabata Klaas, a single mother who overcame adversity to pursue her cricket career, received the Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award.In the domestic arena, Nqabayomzi Peter, the legspinner who led the Lions to victory in the CSA T20 Cup, was named Men's Domestic Newcomer of the Season and T20 Challenge Player of the Season. Wiaan Mulder, the Lions' allrounder, was recognized as Four-Day Domestic Player of the Season. Mihlali Mpongwana, the Western Province allrounder, won the One-Day Domestic Player of the Season award.In the women's domestic competition, Nonkululeko Mlaba was named Women's One-Day Player of the Season, while Tazmin Brits won the Women's T20 Player of the Season award for her outstanding run-scoring performance.

South Africa has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, featuring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team will be led by star batter Laura Wolvaardt and includes seasoned campaigners like allrounder Marizanne Kapp, opener Tazmin Brits, and seamer Ayabonga Khaka.Two uncapped players, 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu and 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi, have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team. Both players impressed during South Africa's run to the final of the inaugural Under-19 Women's World Cup last year.The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, with the exception of wicketkeeper batter Mieke de Ridder, who replaces the retired Shabnim Ismail. Lara Goodall, Masabata Klaas, and Delmi Tucker have been omitted from the squad.Nadine de Klerk, who is currently recovering from an Achilles' injury, is expected to be fit for the tournament. The team will play three warm-up matches in Pakistan before heading to the UAE.South Africa's squad for the T20 World Cup:* Laura Wolvaardt (captain)* Anneke Bosch* Tazmin Brits* Nadine de Klerk* Annerie Dercksen* Mieke de Ridder* Ayanda Hlubi* Sinalo Jafta* Marizanne Kapp* Ayabonga Khaka* Suné Luus* Nonkululeko Mlaba* Seshnie Naidu* Tumi Sekhukhune* Chloé TryonTraveling Reserve:* Miané Smit

Manchester Originals emerged victorious in their clash against defending champions Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl, securing a six-wicket win. Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 78 proved pivotal in the Originals' triumph, guiding them to victory with just two balls to spare.Brave's innings got off to a promising start, with Danni Wyatt and Maia Bouchier establishing a 51-run partnership. However, the introduction of Sophie Ecclestone proved decisive, as the England spinner claimed both Wyatt and Charli Knott in quick succession.Wolvaardt and Eve Jones then took control of the chase, forging an 80-run stand for the second wicket. Wolvaardt's innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, as she struck 11 boundaries in her 52-ball knock. Jones provided valuable support, contributing 39 runs before falling to Georgia Adams.Ecclestone's brief cameo included a six, while Wolvaardt remained steadfast at the crease, ensuring the Originals' victory. The win marks the Originals' second of the tournament, while Brave remain winless after three matches.Wolvaardt, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her satisfaction with the chase, acknowledging the team's firepower and her own determination to take the game deep. She also praised Jones' contribution, highlighting her consistent performance throughout the tournament.

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the opening T20I against South Africa in Chennai. The decision was influenced by the black-soil Chepauk surface, which Kaur believed would assist spin bowling.India opted for a three-pronged spin attack, including left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, who was the Player of the Series in Bangladesh, along with Asha Sobhana and Deepti Sharma. Offspinner Shreyanka Patil was surprisingly omitted from the XI.In the batting department, D Hemalatha was given an opportunity to cement her position at No. 3 in the absence of the injured Yastika Bhatia. Richa Ghosh played her 50th T20I in the match.South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, were not disheartened by having to bat first. They welcomed the return of allrounder Chloe Tryon, who had missed the earlier part of the tour due to a back injury. Opener Tazmin Brits also made her comeback after missing the Test due to illness.The series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October. While India will participate in the Women's Asia Cup later this month, this could be South Africa's final series before the World Cup.India are aiming to complete a clean sweep of the tour, having already won the ODI series 3-0 and the one-off Test in Chennai last week.