ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023: "I Don't Think The Country Needs More Encouragement Than That" - Sune Luus Recognises South Africa's Historical Moment

The Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final appearance by the South African side, according to skipper Sune Luus, is evidence of how seriously the nation takes women’s cricket. Although admitting that winning the championship would be the icing on the cake, Luus believed that just reaching the final alone could inspire more South African women to play cricket.

In the second World Cup semi-final in Cape Town’s Newlands, the Proteas shocked England by six runs. The tournament’s favourite, Australia, will now square off against the hosts in the championship game on February 26.

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We Are Serious About Women’s Cricket In This Country: Sune Luus

Sune Luus’ squad will make history by playing in the World Cup final as the first men’s or women’s cricket team from South Africa. At a pre-game news conference, the Proteas skipper spoke about the momentous event and said:

“I think obviously being in the final, I don’t think we can do much more to show the country that women – that we are serious about women’s cricket in this country. Obviously winning the final would be the ultimate cherry on top. But I think just to get into the final for us, I don’t think the country needs more encouragement than that.”

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She added:

“I think there’s a lot of good things that’s already come out of this World Cup in this country. I think if you don’t take women’s cricket seriously now, then I guess there’s no hope for whoever you are.”

When South Africa batted first against England in the semifinals, they scored 164/4 thanks to outstanding innings from Tazmin Brits (68), Laura Wolvaardt (53), and Marizanne Kapp (27* off 13). England’s comeback saw them held to 158/8.

It’s Going To Be Very Even Contest: Sune Luus

Meg Lanning, the captain of Australia, and Sune Luus agreed that South Africa’s fast bowling attack is among the finest in the world. She acknowledged, though, that her squad would be facing the finest hitting lineup in the contest. How she described the conflict in advance:

“I think obviously the pace attack is one of our strongest attacks and it’s one of the strongest attacks in the world. I don’t think we’re going to take that away. Obviously, Australia knows what’s coming. I think it’s going to be a very even contest – the best in the world, facing the best in the world as well.”

South Africa’s qualification for the final was assured by strong bowling efforts from Ayabonga Khaka (4/29) and Shabnim Ismail (3/27) against England.

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