The Proteas Women will draw on the success of the national men’s cricket team, the Springboks and Bafana heading into their big ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

Since the Proteas played in the women’s T20 World Cup final last year, the men also reached the T20 World Cup final in the Caribbean this year, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup final in France, and Bafana finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.

Tazmin Brits has scored the most runs at the T20 World Cup thus far with 155. Photo: ICC

Australia will no doubt be a tough semi-final for South Africa, however, they have managed to beat them this year.

The captain Laura Wolvaardt said they are definitely inspired by South Africa’s sporting success in the last year. “Yes, it’s very special. I think we don’t even realise how many people at home are sort of following us and watching us, said Wolvaardt.

“My mom keeps texting me that she’s been to the dentist today and the dentist is asking about our game tomorrow and that he’s super excited.

“I think all of those games that you mentioned as well, I remember watching most of them with family and friends and it’s amazing how games like that can sort of bring people together.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to have all those eyes on us and hopefully we can do them proud.”

Wolvaardt added that there is a sense of déjà vu as this is a repeat of last year’s final, but now they have a lot more belief that they can roll over the defending world champions.

Nonkululeko Mlaba has the second most wickets at the T20 World Cup thus far with nine. Photo: ICC

“It’s obviously a massive game for us and brings back a little bit of déjà vu,” said Wolvaardt. “Just a year ago we had to face them in the final. I think a lot has happened since then though. We had the two wins against them earlier this year so I think that just gives a bit of a positive energy in the camp, knowing that if we play our best cricket, they are beatable.

“It’s going to be a big evening for everyone. It’s just about doing what we can to get in the best space to be ready for the semi-final.”

Thursday’s semi-final in Dubai is scheduled to get underway at 16:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg