Image Source– Laura Wolvaardt Twitter /X
Almost 12 months to date, a final amid a healthy sprinkling of die-hard rugby supporters captured the world’s attention as France opened its shores to what was possibly one of the finest contests between South Africa and New Zealand.
On the day, the Springboks barely managed to scrape past the All Blacks as the final score read 12-11 in a game where it was seemingly as difficult to call a winner as fighting inflation in this shrinking economy amid global uncertainty with the action failing to relent to favour either side.
With this being said, the men in green an gold somehow managed to have destiny on their side albeit by the slightest of margins as an entire nation flocked to the streets to celebrate South Africa’s second consecutive world cup hurrah.
What was evidently noticeable in this triumph was colour, race and make didn’t matter albeit all that truly did was a champion’s mindset to play for the Republic of South Africa, coining the famous slogan – No DNA, Just RSA!
Fast forward to the present and another final awaits us this evening as the same countries in South Africa and New Zealand collide once again albeit in a different sport amid the Ring of Fire, an iconic stadium in the heart of UAE a.k.aDubai.
Yes, the time has come when the action-packed Women’s T20 World Cup reaches its zenith with possibly the two best teams in the competition making the final cut.
The dynamism of South Africa courtesy a soaring and destructive batting line up will be up against the grit of New Zealand who show the intent to fight till the end with losing not being an option.
Ask Australia and the West Indies, the losing semi-finalists and they will whole heartedly agree.
So as the Proteas and the White Ferns chase their maiden world cup high, let’s look at some defining aspects for this contest:
The Devastating Proteas Batting Vs The Astute Bowling Of the White Ferns
While the likes of Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt have been consistently piling the runs at the top for the Proteas, it was more than heartening to see a certain Anneke Bosch come to the party against Australia in the semifinal.
Her devastating knock of 74 in just 48 balls comprising of eight fours and one maximum was truly a spectacle as she convincingly got her team over the line against a mighty Australian bowling line up boasting the likes of Megan Schutt, Anabelle Sutherland and Ash Gardener.
With more and more players coming to the fore to express themselves for the Proteas when it comes to mounting scores, the batting indeed looks daunting as they lock up against a White Ferns side known for their shrewd and astute ability with the ball.
Just look at the likes of Amelia Kerr (the highest wicket taker in the tournament with 12 cherries to her name) and Eden Carson, the chief destroyer against the West Indies with three scalps and one has their answer.
Add Frans Jonas, Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu to the mix and the New Zealand bowling undoubtedly looks mighty fine making this contest all but enthralling.
Fielding Will Play A Key Role
They say a fine batter might get you runs; a assiduous bowler might get you wickets but a good fielder will definitely help save runs and pile the pressure.
Well, for the Proteas and the White Ferns, this discipline of the game will be crucial in the grand finale as the team that has all the players not giving an inch in their fielding will unquestionably pave a brighter journey to conquer their maiden title.
The catches have to be taken, the boundaries have to be saved and the infielders need to mount the pressure to make this contest as mouth-watering as they come.
Dear Proteas ladies- Look No Further Than The Rugby Counterparts For Success
Yes, you’re a force like no other. You’re a comet of ceaseless vigor and energy. But, when one talks about success in sport, it more often than not culminates from the number of world titles won.
Well for South Africa and New Zealand in the aggressive yet beautiful sport of rugby, the world titles are aplenty with the former amassing four hurrahs and the latter three triumphs.
This itself speaks volumes about these two countries to go out there and give their best in the moments that matter. The Proteas women need to take inspiration from their rugby counterparts to strive to be the very best on the day and success inevitably will follow.
So as the contest heats up a few hours from now, which team will be hungrier to achieve this success?
Well as a die-hard Proteas fan, I surely hope it would be the women in green and gold.