Ahead of the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025, South Africa`s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, is confident about her side`s preparations for the marquee event.
“We`ve had good preparation for this tournament and learned a lot of lessons from past ICC events. In the last few ODI World Cups, we made the semi-finals,” Wolvaardt said, speaking about her side`s preparations.
The ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 is set to kick off from September 30, with the first game scheduled to be played between Team India and the Sri Lankan side at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium.
The South African women`s team will begin their campaign against England on October 3 at the same stadium.
Speaking more on the campaign, she said that her side will look to trust the process, and focusing on themselves will be the key during the global showpiece.
“I strongly believe that we have a very good squad of 15 players, so I`m very excited for this tournament. The most important thing for us is to trust the process and take it one game at a time. You never want to get ahead of yourself – it`s a long tournament with lots of cricket, so staying present and focusing on ourselves is key,” said the 26-year-old cricketer.
Wolvaardt also feels that there will be no easy matches against any team in the tournament. Teams such as Australia, India, and New Zealand prepare very well against the spin bowling, she added.
“In subcontinent conditions, the local teams come into the game a lot more. We`ve lost to New Zealand in a World Cup final, and teams like Australia and England are always strong. Every opponent will be tough, especially in these conditions, where subcontinent players are excellent against spin and their bowlers are very crafty,” said the South African skipper.
“Teams like Australia, India and New Zealand prepare very well, so there`s never an easy game,” she concluded.
South Africa`s squad for the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025: Anneke Bosch, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune.
(With ANI Inputs)