The Proteas Men wished the women all of the very best for Sunday’s historic ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Dubai. 

This is the third-straight T20 World Cup final in which a South African team will be involved and this is arguably the best opportunity to create history.

In February 2023, the Proteas Women lost by 19 runs in the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town, while earlier this year, the men lost by a mere seven runs to India in Barbados in the West Indies.

Sunday’s final will see a brand new champion being crowned as neither South Africa nor the White Ferns have managed to win the global showpiece in the past.

South Africa will have a massive advantage of having already played in the final, and a vast majority of the team that lost last year are in Dubai.

The Proteas men’s spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who played in the final in the Caribbean just a few months ago and spoke to OFM Sport from Bangladesh, said the women must just take it in their stride on Sunday and not overthink it.

“Firstly, I think the girls have done us immensely proud over the last three years and are in yet another final,” said Maharaj.

“Hopefully, we can go the whole way, but just some words of encouragement to them is just be yourselves, be the best version of yourself on the day, execute your skills, play together, and when you’re feeling a little bit of pressure, look to the person next to you and draw inspiration from that.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt with her playing shirt with the names of her loved ones in the collar. Photo: CSA

“Remember, everyone has a reason to play for, and I know you guys have placed your reasons at the back of your collar, so if you need reminding with regards to that, just have a look at the back of your collar or get your teammate to look at it.

“But all-in-all, you guys have made us exceptionally proud, and we know you’re going to go all the way this year. Play hard, enjoy the moment, and enjoy the occasion.

“Bring back a memory for South Africa that we’ve been waiting for a long time, and we’ll celebrate you guys from abroad.”

Maharaj referred to the fact that the Proteas Women have the names of families and loved ones printed on the inside of their collars on their playing shirts.

Sunday’s massive and historic final in Dubai will start at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg