Proteas Women Ready for Australia Test as World Cup Campaign Begins

South Africa’s Women’s T20 World Cup journey gets underway on Saturday when they face Australia in Manchester at 15:30 SAST, with the Proteas aiming to make an early statement against one of the tournament favourites.

Having reached three consecutive World Cup finals without lifting the trophy, South Africa arrive in England carrying both expectation and belief. While Australia remain one of the strongest teams in world cricket, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi insists the focus is firmly on what the Proteas can control.

“I think for us, it was not about what Australia does. We were focusing on what we want to do,” said Mashimbyi.

“At the end of the day, we just need to make sure that we cover all our bases and we play cricket the way we want to play it.”

The Proteas have spent the build-up adjusting to English conditions and fine-tuning combinations following warm-up matches against Australia and New Zealand. While results offered useful insights, the coaching staff were more concerned with learning what combinations could prove effective during the tournament.

Mashimbyi believes adaptability will be key.

“You don’t normally get quick wickets in England,” he explained.

“Some days it might swing a bit. Some days it might nip a bit. And some days it might stop. It’s about assessing those conditions and adapting quickly and making sure that we act accordingly.”

South Africa’s batting line-up remains one of the major talking points heading into the opening fixture, with several options available throughout the top order.

“We’ve got so many options within the squad and it’s not something I stress about,” said Mashimbyi.

“It’s about what we want and what type of brand we want that number three to play and then based on that, we’ll make the right call.”

Captain Laura Wolvaardt believes the warm-up matches served their purpose and helped sharpen the squad ahead of the tournament opener.

“I think sometimes it’s good to have a game like that pre-tournament just to wake you up a little bit before the real thing,” she said.

“I think we’ve spent a bit of time in these conditions. Obviously came a bit early and played against Australia as well. So took a lot of learnings out of that as well.”

Wolvaardt also credited Mashimbyi’s influence since taking charge, particularly his ability to instil confidence throughout the squad.

“I think that’s the great thing about Mandla is that’s sort of the mindset that he has, is that he believes in us 100%,” she said.

“He doesn’t really care who we’re playing against. He just fully believes if we do what we do well, we can beat any side in the world.”

That belief will be tested immediately against an Australian side that has dominated women’s cricket for much of the past decade. While acknowledging the challenge, Wolvaardt knows South Africa must focus on producing their best cricket.

“Australia, I think they’ve been the number one side in the world for a very long time,” she said.

“I think we’re going to have to play some very good cricket to beat them.”

Mashimbyi, however, wants his players embracing the opportunity rather than fearing the occasion.

“Teams like Australia, England, West Indies, they’re trying to protect their history,” he said.

“We want to create history. They’re protecting their legacy. We want to create legacy.”

That mindset reflects a South African side determined to finally take the next step after several near misses on the global stage.

“It feels like a sense that people want us to go all the way and to win the World Cup,” said Wolvaardt.

“I think the group really believes that we have the talent in the room to win the tournament.”

Saturday’s clash may only be the opening game, but it offers an immediate opportunity for the Proteas to underline their credentials.

As Mashimbyi put it: “We just need to believe that we’re good enough to play against them and compete and beat them.”

The journey towards creating that legacy begins in Manchester.