Laura Wolvaardt returns to the top spot in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings for the first time since the 2022 World Cup after putting on a fine performance in the ongoing three-match ODI series against England which is currently level at 1-1. Wolvaardt made steady contributions of 59* and 35 in the first and second ODI respectively to move up by two places in the batting chart. In doing so, she has challenged the dominance of Nat Sciver-Brunt at the top who has now dropped to the number three position. 

See also: SA-W vs ENG-W 3rd ODI, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Reflecting on the recent changes in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings

While Laura and Sciver-Brunt manage to hold on to positions one & three respectively, Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu snuck through to claim the number two position in the batting chart. Further on, Perry has leapfrogged to the number four position after smashing a blistering century against India Women in the second ODI helping Australia Women clinch the series 2-0. 

India's Smriti Mandhana performed poorly in the ongoing tour to Australia with her average dropping well below 10. The Indian batter fell by one position in the batting rankings and is currently ranked fifth. Chloe Tryon was another South African player who made rapid advancements in the rankings, ascending eight positions to 17th position joining Ash Gardner of Australia following her score of 45 in the second ODI. 

How are things shaping up for the Laura Wolvaardt-led South African side ahead of the final ODI?

With the series level at 1-1, the stage is set for a cracking showdown at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. South African Women were blown away in the T20I series and went down without putting on a fight. But this ODI series presents them with an opportunity to conclude the white-ball series on a winning note. Laura has been the pick of the batters in this ongoing ODI series averaging 94 across two innings. 

After intense and scintillating clashes with the best women's teams in the cricket space, the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup draws its curtains with New Zealand scalping their first-ever title against a promising South African side. In summary of their experience and the emerging players' squad, the White Ferns have surpassed the ten robust arsenals needed to win this tournament after being two-time runners-up.

As mentioned earlier, the tournament has seen the clash of best vs best, with many promising players displaying impeccable calibre and intent. By this, all these players deserve to be a part of one team, which implies their performance. That said, here's the Best Playing XI, the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup edition. 

1.Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

Laura Wolvaardt has been the face of South Africa's top-order batting, with her captaincy skills being the cherry on the top. Leading her Proteas side for the first time and leading to their second-consecutive Women's T20 World Cup is no minor deal. Her stint of 223 runs in six matches, with a half-century and an average of over 45, has made her the highest run-scorer of the ninth edition of the tournament.

2. Tazmin Brits (South Africa)

Runners-up South Africa's major positive takeaway would be their batting performance, and it is no surprise that the openers have created the foundation for it. With the opening captain, Laura Wolvaardt, the second opener, also fulfilled the expectations in the form of Tazmin Brits. She helped bolster the batting and gave the team the attacking start desired. In her six-match tournament stint, she has made 187 runs, averaging over 38 and one half-century.

3. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (England)

Dannielle Wyatt has associated with the women's English side as a reliable run-getter. As it implies, she has helped the side make some runs in their group-stage end run. She has scored 151 runs in just four matches, at a commendable average of over 50.

4. Sophie Devine (New Zealand) (Captain)

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine is one of the few women's cricket circle players representing her national side in all the Women's T20 World Cup tournaments. As an experienced campaigner, Devine ended her captaincy stint on a high by leading their White Ferns side to their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup title. Making her the captain of this Best XI squad is a no-brainer. She has made 116 runs in six matches at an average of over 30 in the tournament.

5. Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)

Amelia Kerr has got her recognition for her all-rounder ability. But, this time, her bowling expertise did the trick for the triumphant New Zealand side in the tournament. Kerr has helped her side scalp crucial wickets at the right game time. Being the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, she has taken 15 wickets in just six matches, with one four-wicket haul and made 135 runs

6. Alyssa Healy (Australia) (Wicketkeeper)

Though Alyssa Healy got injured mid-way through the tournament, Alyssa Healy deserves to be on this list. Dealing with the slow and turning pitches, she has made vital decisions in restricting the opposition batters to minimal scores, considering the intensity of the T20I format. In her short three-match stint, she has made 67 runs but has a noteworthy strike rate and an average of over 145 and 34, respectively.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Flop Playing XI of the Tournament

7. Afy Fletcher (West Indies)

Though the 2016 West Indies champions couldn't convert a triumph after a stellar performance, Afy Fletcher is one of the players behind the Carribean's side performance. The right-arm leg spinner dominated in the spin-friendly conditions of UAE and scalped ten wickets in just five matches.

8. Annabel Sutherland (Australia)

Annabel Sutherland did her usual business of being the go-to spin option for the Aussies side. Sutherland deserves to be the second-leading spinner, thanks to her performance in the tournament. She has taken nine wickets in five matches, signifying her impact with the ball and spin.

9. Rosemary Mair (New Zealand)

Rosemary Mair from the champion New Zealand side did the trick by delivering quick and pace deliveries to the batters. In just six appearances of the tournament, she has scalped ten wickets at an economy of just five, with one four-wicket haul.

10. Nonukuleko Mlaba (South Africa)

Nonukuleko Mlaba from the South African side would help robusten this Best XI spinmeister's attack. Known for delivering slow, yet confusing and over-the-top deliveries, Mlaba has scalped 12 wickets in just six matches at an economy of just 5.66.

11. Megan Schutt (Australia)

Megan Schutt symbolises consistency for the Women's Australia pace department. She has been an integral part of Australia's seam assault with her huge inswingers and leg cutter as her signature deliveries, which can be vividly seen in her tournament stint. She has taken eight wickets in five outings at a praiseworthy economy of just four.

South Africa is one of the teams known for unleashing its best performance in the mid-stages of a tournament, but it has lacked luck regarding the final events. The same applies to the women's arsenal, as they happened to be the runners-up in the previous edition against the six-time champions, Australia, amidst their home audience.

With the same intention and calibre, they are eager to turn the tables and scalp their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup. Here's the announced squad, probable XI and the top 3 players to check out from the Proteas squad.

Announced Women's South Africa 2024 T20 World Cup Full Squad: 

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (Wicketkeeper), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon, *Miané Smit

* Travelling Reserve

South Africa's Probable XI:

1. Laura Wolvaardt (Captain)
2. Tazmin Brits
3. Anneke Bosch
4. Annerie Dercksen
5. Suné Luus
6. Nadine de Klerk
7. Chloé Tryon
8. Sinalo Jafta (Wicketkeeper)
9. Seshnie Naidu
10. Tumi Sekhukhune
11. Nonkululeko Mlaba

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Australia Women's Team squad, Probable XI & Top 3 players to check out

Top 3 players to check out from South Africa in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup:

Laura Wolvaardt

Laura Wolvaardt would be one of the pivotal players who would bring the experience element to the Proteas squad. Also, with her captaining the team in a major tournament, it will be interesting to see how she would perform in the tournament.

As a top-order batter, Laura will be seen bolstering the team's batting unit, and it will be interesting to see her as one of the top run-getters for the South African side in the tournament. And to give a limelight on her T20I stint, she has made 1765 runs in 35 matches, at a commendable average of over 35. 

Marizanne Kapp

Marizanne Kapp has been among the best South African players to be remembered in the history of women's Proteas side. Predominant for her hostile pace, aggressive calibre and reliable yet impactful batting, Kapp has been a vital contributor with her all-rounding skills and demeanour.

Her contributions to the Delhi Capitals in the WPL act as the cherry on top, where she unleashed her best bowling attack for her side. And no doubt, she would be one of the players to check out from the Proteas squad. In her T20I stint, she has made 1532 runs and scalped 83 wickets in 107 matches.

Seshnie Naidu

Seshnie Naidu, an emerging leg-spinner, has got her tournament call-up following outstanding performances for the U19 team. Seshnie's cricketing career began at nine when she joined her primary school's mini-cricket squad. Despite her youth, Seshnie responds maturely to the challenges of worldwide competition.

Her approach leading up to the World Cup is to keep improving her talents, trust her ability, and, most importantly, enjoy the event. As the title says, Naidu has the potential to become a rising star in female cricket, thanks to the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. She only took one wicket in three matches but may make a difference in future games by gaining experience.  

India Women’s cricket team delivered an outstanding performance and secured a significant win against South Africa on July 9, leveling their 3 match T20I series at 1-1. After losing heavily to Laura Wolvaardt’s team in the first match and having the second game washed out, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team played with great determination at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and defeated South Africa by 10 wickets.

Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma had been getting a lot of attention for their success in the recent Test series and the first T20I match. However, it was the bowlers who made sure India won on Tuesday. Harmanpreet chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and this decision paid off as they restricted South Africa to just 84 runs.

South Africa’s collapse after early wickets

Even though South Africa batted well in the first match, players like Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp couldn’t make a significant impact this time. Brits, who scored 81 runs in the previous game, managed only 20 runs off 23 balls. After their captain Wolvaardt got out early, South Africa struggled to recover.

The South African middle order, including Kapp and Nadine de Klerk, fell to Pooja Vastrakar’s precise bowling. With the batting order collapsing, South Africa’s bowlers didn’t have much of a chance, and the match ended in just 10.5 overs.

Vastrakar and Yadav’s bowling feats

India’s bowlers, Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav shone brightly in Chennai. Vastrakar’s 3-14 spell was crucial, taking out key players like Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, and Nadine de Klerk, all of whom had been scoring well for South Africa.

Radha Yadav also played a vital role with her 3-6 spell, dismissing Annerie Dercksen and further diminishing South Africa’s hopes of making a comeback. Their combined efforts ensured a dominant win for India.

IND-W vs SA-W 3rd T20 2024 short scores: South Africa 84/10 in 17.1 overs (T Brits 20; P Vastrakar 4-13, R Yadav 3-6) lost to India 88/0 in 10.5 overs (S Mandhana 54*, S Verma 27*) by 10 wickets.

The Test match between India Women and South Africa Women at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was nothing short of a thriller. This match showcased the determination and resilience of both teams, with standout performances that will be remembered for years to come.

Day 1 Highlights

India dominated the opening day with early breakthroughs, putting South Africa on the back foot. The Indian bowlers were relentless, making the most of the pitch conditions and testing the South African batters with every delivery.

See Also: Rohit Sharma’s unique celebrations after winning T20 World Cup 2024; FIFA and Wimbledon acknowledge

Day 2 Struggles

South Africa showed resilience on the second day, with key performances from their top-order batters. The partnership between Luus and Wolvaardt started to build, providing the stability that South Africa desperately needed. South Africa showed great fight to reach 236 for 4 on the second day of the one-off Test in Chennai after India declared their first innings at a record 603 for 6.

Day 3 Turning Point

Day 3 was a turning point in the match. India managed to rattle the remaining six wickets in the first hour, giving them a significant advantage. However, South Africa’s Luus and Wolvaardt had other plans, putting up a strong resistance and not offering many chances to the Indian team.

The pitch at Chepauk offered variable bounce and turn, making it challenging for the batters. Both teams had to adapt to the changing conditions, which played a significant role in the dynamics of the match.

Luus’s Century

Luus’s century was a significant milestone in the match. Her determination and grit were on full display as she fought against the Indian bowlers, bringing stability to the South African innings and giving her team a fighting chance.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur gets the breakthrough for India. She kept low as Luus tried to pull, went under the bat, and removed the offstump from its groove. Luus scored 109 runs off 203 balls. She becomes the second South African to hit a century against India in India after Mignon du Preez.

Wolvaardt’s Near Century

Wolvaardt’s perseverance was commendable. Batting on 93, she showcased her skill and patience, dealing with the challenging pitch conditions and Indian bowlers. Her performance was a testament to her resilience and focus.

Deepti Sharma’s missed chances, including dropped catches at slip and off her own bowling, were critical moments in the match. These missed opportunities allowed South Africa to build their innings and put pressure on India.

South Africa’s game plan will focus on building partnerships and negating the Indian bowlers. The onus will be on Kapp and Wolvaardt to bat for as long as possible and put runs on the board.

Sneh Rana’s 8-wicket haul

India’s off-spinner Sneh Rana delivered a remarkable performance with figures of 25.3-4-77-8. Her spell dismantled the South African batting lineup and set a new benchmark since Neetu David’s 1995 feat. Rana’s achievement placed her alongside Indian greats in Women’s Test cricket history.

This achievement places her alongside Indian greats like Gargi Banerjee, Diana Edulji, and Shubhangi Kulkarni, who have also left indelible marks in Women’s Test cricket history.

India’s strategy for wickets

India’s game plan for Day 4 will revolve around early breakthroughs. The wicket has some assistance, and the Indian bowlers will need to exploit it fully. Aggressive field placements and disciplined bowling will be crucial. The wicket has some assistance on it. But won’t be easy for the Indians.

In a high-scoring encounter, Gujarat Giants secured a 19-run victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore, thanks to stellar performances by Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney. The duo’s formidable partnership of 140 runs wreaked havoc on the RCB bowling attack, propelling the Giants to a challenging total. Wolvaardt’s aggressive innings of 76 off 45 balls and Mooney’s impressive 85 off 51 deliveries displayed their dominance with the bat.

Laura Wolvaardt showcased a masterful innings, scoring a fluent 76 off 45 balls with precision in her shot selection, accumulating 13 fours without resorting to aggressive strokes. Beth Mooney complemented Wolvaardt’s innings by ensuring swift runs between the wickets, allowing Wolvaardt to dominate against the quicks. Mooney, known for her consistency, tactically paced her innings, turning a 21-ball 32 into a composed 82 off 51 balls, showcasing her proficiency in scoring against spinners. 

In contrast, Smriti Mandhana’s team experienced a challenging day as none of their batters managed to convert starts into substantial innings. This inability to build significant partnerships allowed the Gujarat Giants to assert control by consistently taking wickets. Despite a late onslaught from Georgia Wareham, who scored a rapid 48 off 22 balls, the valiant effort proved futile in preventing a comprehensive defeat for Smriti Mandhana’s side.

See Also: WPL 2024: Player Analysis: Analysing the Impact of Jemimah Rodrigues Match-Winning Knock

Deconstructing the Deadly Partnership of Laura and Mooney

Laura Wolvaardt showcased an impressive display of calculated strokeplay, notably different from her performances in previous games. Her ability to find gaps in the field without relying solely on aggression, demonstrated a refined shot selection. In partnership with Beth Mooney, the duo’s collaborative efforts propelled the Gujarat Giants to a formidable total.

The Gujarat Giants’ openers showcased a significant improvement in their powerplay performance as they scored 51 runs in the first six overs, laying a solid foundation for the team. This marked a notable shift from their previous performances in the tournament. In this instance, Laura Wolvaardt took on the aggressive charge, amassing 32 runs off 22 balls, featuring three well-placed fours. Meanwhile, Beth Mooney played the anchor role, contributing 19 runs off 14 balls, embellished with five fours. 

During the middle overs, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney seamlessly continued their respective roles, contributing significantly to the Gujarat Giants’ innings. Laura displayed her attacking ability, amassing 44 runs off 23 balls, featuring an impressive count of eight fours. Simultaneously, Beth Mooney played a complementary role, scoring 31 runs off 19 balls, including five boundaries.

Their combined efforts in the middle phase resulted in a substantial contribution of 75 runs in 7 overs, setting the stage for the Giants’ strong total. The cohesive partnership demonstrated a strategic and well-executed approach by the openers during different phases of the innings.

In a convincing display, the Gujarat Giants secured a significant victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore with a well-coordinated effort from their openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney. The duo showcased a balanced blend of calculated stroke play and strategic batting roles. Wolvaardt’s aggressive charge, marked by well-placed shots, was complemented by Mooney’s anchor role, providing stability to the innings.

In a recent announcement on Friday (November 24), Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed that Laura Wolvaardt has been named the captain for South Africa Women’s cricket team in all three formats. The 24-year-old assumed leadership during successful home series against Pakistan and New Zealand, both of which South Africa clinched with a 2-1 victory.

Wolvaardt, with an impressive international record of 86 ODIs, 59 T20Is, and one Test, totaling close to 5000 runs, has secured the captaincy on a full-time basis. The right-handed batter boasts four centuries and 39 fifties.

However, Wolvaardt initial tenure as skipper will be without the talents of Ayabonga Khaka (knee injury), Chloe Tyron (groin), and Nadine de Klerk (side strain). The South African squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on December 3 in Benoni, includes two uncapped players, Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx. Marizanne Kapp, rested for the T20I series, will return for the three ODIs, part of the Women’s ODI Championship 2022-25.

Laura Wolvaardt Assumes Captaincy Across All Formats for Proteas Women

Clinton du Preez, the Convenor of Selectors, expressed excitement about Wolvaardt captaincy, emphasizing the blend of youth and experience in the squad. Du Preez also highlighted the opportunity for young players during the upcoming tour, acknowledging the importance of succession planning and performance in the lead-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Head coach Hilton Moreeng emphasized the continuation of positive momentum and the intention to blend in young talent during the T20Is against Bangladesh. Moreeng acknowledged the challenge posed by the opposition, coming off a successful tour against Pakistan. He expressed confidence in the growing strength of the squad and the ongoing development of young players.

The T20I squad for the series against Bangladesh includes Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, and Delmi Tucker.

See Also:West Indies vs. England: Matthew Potts Takes Over Josh Tongue’s Spot in ODI Squad