South Africa’s women’s cricket team captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed strong confidence in her squad’s ability to reach their first-ever ODI World Cup final, describing it as a matter of “when, not if.” Writing in her column for the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of the tournament starting this month in India, Wolvaardt highlighted the team’s consistent performances, including semi-final appearances in the last two ODI World Cups and runner-up finishes in consecutive T20 World Cups. Buoyed by a recent 2-1 series win in Pakistan, the Proteas are poised to compete with the world’s best, she said.

Reflecting on past tournaments, Wolvaardt recalled the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-final loss as a pivotal moment that instilled belief in the team’s potential. “It helped us see that we could compete with the best sides in the world,” she wrote, emphasizing the squad’s growing conviction. South Africa’s balanced lineup, featuring a dynamic top order led by Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, is complemented by all-rounders like Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, and Chloe Tryon. Emerging talents Nadine de Klerk and Nondumiso Shangase add depth, while spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba is expected to thrive in India’s spin-friendly conditions.

The Proteas’ squad boasts versatility, with a deep batting order and multiple bowling options. “We bat very deep, with a lot of all-rounders giving us different bowling options, which is exciting for me as captain,” Wolvaardt noted. She praised Kapp as one of South Africa’s finest, citing her ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, and highlighted the middle order’s recent form, with Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, and de Klerk finishing games strongly. Mlaba’s spin bowling, she added, could prove decisive on subcontinental pitches.

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Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Wolvaardt recognized the strength of host India, alongside formidable opponents like Australia, England, and New Zealand. “There’s simply no easy game at this level,” she said, noting the meticulous preparation of top teams and the difficulty posed by local conditions. South Africa opens their campaign against England on October 3 in Guwahati, aiming to build momentum in a tournament critical for their quest to break their final barrier and cement their status among cricket’s elite.

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