CNMSports

Pretty Cool That We Get To Play Some Cricket Against Neighbours Zimbabwe, Says Wolvaardt

Queens Sports Club: South Africa womens captain Laura Wolvaardt has expressed excitement ahead of her team's historic maiden T20I tour to Zimbabwe, stating that it is pretty cool to finally play against their African neighbours in a bilateral series at the senior level. All five matches will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on September 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19. Its very special for us. I think for as long as Ive played, we havent played against another African team. Its pretty cool that we get to play some cricket against our neighbours. So Im very excited to head over there, said Laura in a statement by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday. Laura leads a new-look squad that features only three other players -- Annerie Dercksen, Karabo Meso, and Kayla Reyneke -- from the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup squad in England. The touring party also includes four uncapped youngsters: Caitlin Wyngaard, Luyanda Nzuza, Nthabiseng Nini, and Jae-Leigh Filander, who replaced the injured wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the tour serves as a crucial testing ground for young talent as South Africa builds towards the 2029 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The purpose is quite simple. Its an opportunity for players to test their skills. An opportunity to give opportunities to the young players. And also for us to see where we are going forward in terms of the future of South African cricket. A couple of youngsters putting their hands up. Just to put a bit of pressure on the usual players that we take on tour on a normal basis. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the tour serves as a crucial testing ground for young talent as South Africa builds towards the 2029 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The purpose is quite simple. Its an opportunity for players to test their skills. An opportunity to give opportunities to the young players. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Laura noted that the fresh squad dynamic has energised the group ahead of the series. Its going to be awesome to see those youngsters just express themselves and play free cricket against a new opposition. Lots of talent here in the net. Im keen to see how they all go in the games. Article Source: IANS