Cricket
Proteas Women want to inspire a nation─── MORGAN PIEK 07:48 Sun, 20 Oct 2024
“It would mean so much to unite the country. We’ve had a lot of support from back home, and we want to make everyone proud. We hope to bring everyone together by doing something special on Sunday.”
The Proteas Women have their sights set on history on Sunday when they face New Zealand in the final of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.
A brand new champion will be crowned and while South Africa played in the final in Cape Town a year ago, this is arguably their biggest opportunity yet to win a first-ever senior World Cup in both the women’s as well as men’s game.
There is an age-old sporting rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand in rugby, netball, hockey and of course in cricket that will once again come to the fore on Sunday. A World Cup final between the women’s cricket teams will no doubt take it to the next level.
South Africa. Photo: Cricinfo
Experience of being in a final will be the Proteas biggest ally, but New Zealand remains one of the very best teams in women’s cricket.
“It’s nice to be in another final – it’s always been our goal, and it feels really exciting for the team,” said the highly experienced Tryon.
“We’ve been working hard to get here, and we just want to play our best cricket on Sunday.”
“That loss was tough to swallow, but we’ve reflected and learned a lot. We’re calmer now and know our roles better. We’ve been gelling really well, and I feel like the way we’ve been playing – calm, confident, and together– has been key.”
Tryon added that being about to follow in the footsteps of the Springboks will mean the world to the teams and they are determined to reunite the country as the Rugby World Champions have done on four occasions.
“It would mean so much to unite the country. We’ve had a lot of support from back home, and we want to make everyone proud. We hope to bring everyone together by doing something special on Sunday.”
Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon. Photo: Cricinfo
Tryon warned the New Zealanders themselves are seeking to inspire a nation and they too are seeking to follow in the footsteps of their other national sporting teams such as the Black Ferns (women’s rugby World Champions).
“They’ve shown a lot of resilience, especially turning things around in this tournament. We know it’s going to be a tough fight, but we’re excited for it.”
Sunday’ big Women’s T20 World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand gets underway at 16:00.
