The host team reached the final of the event in Cape Town in February where they finished as the runners-up to Australia. In so doing, they became the first senior South African team to reach the final of an ICC World Cup event – a milestone for the cricket-mad nation.
South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail (L), Sune Luus (C) and Chloe Tryon (R) celebrate after the dismissal of Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner (not seen) during the final T20 women’s World Cup cricket match between South Africa and Australia at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 26 February 2023. Picture: Rodger Bosch/AFP
JOHANNESBURG – Momentum Proteas captain Sune Luus hopes their performance at the recent T20 World Cup will encourage more investment and participation in women’s cricket in the country.
The host team reached the final of the event in Cape Town in February where they finished as the runners-up, losing by a respectable 19-run margin to the winners, Australia. In so doing, they became the first senior South African team to reach the final of an ICC World Cup event – a milestone for the cricket-mad nation.
“I think just in terms of visibility of women’s cricket everywhere we go, everywhere we walk, people are recognising us and I think that’s so awesome. People stop us and say ‘you guys are so amazing, you guys have done the country proud’ even two months after what we’ve done,” Luus said.
Luus was speaking at Tuesday’s Department of Sport luncheon in recognition of the team’s efforts where the players and the staff were awarded a collective R7.5 million bonus. Deputy Sports Minister Nocawe Mafu also pledged R15 million over the next three years to develop a professional women’s cricket league in South Africa that is hoped will rival those in Australia, England and India and develop a new crop of talent
She told attendees that their showing at the tournament had changed the lives of the players who had since become household names.
“Coach [Hilton Moreeng] told us time and time again that this [the T20 World Cup] is going to change your life and you’re not going to know it now but you’re going to start seeing it very soon,” Luus said.
While details of the proposed league have yet to be disclosed, Luus wants to keep adding to the momentum gained by the wave of interest that has captured the team and hopes all involved will make the most of it.
“It’s been absolutely amazing, even the media attention has been so good. I think this is an awesome opportunity for us as individuals, for brands and as Cricket South Africa as a whole,” Luus added.
With women’s cricket now at the forefront of the South African public’s attention, Luus added that it was important to head in an upward trajectory and not let it the game stagnate.
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