Tag: Laura Wolvaardt

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SACA Celebrates Tony Irish on Receiving the Prestigious Tim May Medal of Honour

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) is proud to celebrate its founder and former CEO, Tony Irish, who received the…

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Kyle Simmonds Crowned Overall Division 1 SACA MVP

The 2025/26 domestic cricket season concludes with Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds named Division 1 Overall SACA MVP. Simmonds earned…

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Liam Alder Named Overall SACA MVP for Domestic Division 2

Following the completion of all domestic fixtures, Liam Alder of the Garden Route Badgers finished at the top of the…

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Wolvaardt Climbs to Overall MVP Apex as Proteas Women

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has confirmed the Proteas Women’s MVP rankings following the team’s historic journey to the Women’s ODI World Cup Final. The standings, powered by CricViz analytical data, confirm Laura Wolvaardt’s position at the top of the Proteas Women’s overall SACA MVP rankings, with Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk completing the top three after a remarkable ICC World Cup campaign.

Laura Wolvaardt holds onto her top spot in the overall Proteas Womens SACA MVP rankings on 195.685 MVP points. Her performance at the World Cup was record-shattering, as she finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with a World Record 571 runs in a single edition. Her two centuries in the knockout stage, including a brilliant 169 in the semi-final against England and a resilient 101 in the final against India, demonstrated her leadership and class under the highest pressure.

Securing the second spot in the rankings was Marizanne Kapp with 119.272 MVP points. Kapp confirmed her position as one of the world’s premier all-rounders with game-changing performances throughout the World Cup. Her career-best 5/20 against England in the semi-final secured her place in history as the all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history, with her consistent clutch contributions being pivotal to the Proteas’ final appearance.

Nadine de Klerk wrapped up her World Cup campaign in third position with a total of 104.807 MVP points. Her performances included an unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls against India during the World Cup, which set the record for the highest score by a batter from number seven or below in a Women’s World Cup match while chasing.

The SACA MVP rankings, driven by the analytical partnership with CricViz, move beyond traditional statistics to deliver an objective measure of player influence. This sophisticated model assesses a player’s performance on every ball, factoring in match-defining moments, opposition strength, and the high-pressure context of tournament play, providing an accurate reflection of their true value.

Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO, commented: “This campaign was truly momentous, marking a historic pinnacle for our Proteas Women by reaching the World Cup Final. The quality of cricket played throughout this tournament has set a new, incredible benchmark for the future of the women’s game in South Africa, and the entire nation is profoundly proud of their outstanding resilience and skill.”

Proteas Women SACA MVP Rankings as of 4 November 2025
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Brits’ Historic Series Puts Her on Top of Proteas Women’s MVP

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has released the latest Proteas Women’s MVP rankings, recognising an exceptional and historic start to the international season.

A sensational run of form from the opening batter has seen her rocket to the top of the overall rankings, a testament to her consistent, match-winning contributions that helped the team convincingly win the series against Pakistan.

Brits has established a commanding lead as the overall Proteas Women’s SACA MVP with 51.256 MVP points. Her phenomenal start to the season was highlighted by a record-breaking performance in the recent ODI series against Pakistan, where she became the first South African woman to score consecutive ODI centuries. Her knocks of 101* and 171* (the latter a new highest score for a Proteas woman in ODIs) secured a series win and showcased her ability to anchor an innings and dominate the opposition.

In the opening ODI, Brits shared a record-breaking 216-run third-wicket partnership with Marizanne Kapp, a monumental effort that steered the team to victory. In the very next match, she and captain Laura Wolvaardt forged a historic 260-run opening stand, a new national record for any wicket.

Although she did not play in the final match, having played only three games, her confidence will be paramount as the team heads to Sri Lanka for the Women’s ODI World Cup, which begins on September 30. Brits also sits at the top of the ODI MVP rankings, with a total of 51.256 MVP points.

The SACA MVP rankings, powered by CricViz’s advanced data analytics, provide an in-depth and objective reflection of a player’s impact in a game. This sophisticated algorithm goes beyond traditional statistics, evaluating a player’s performance based on every ball faced. It calculates batting, bowling, and fielding contributions, while also taking into account match-defining moments and the specific conditions of the venue.

This comprehensive analysis, which quantifies and measures a player’s influence in runs scored, conceded, and saved, offers a more accurate and objective reflection of the top performers in the game compared to conventional averages.

The SACA MVP rankings will track player performances throughout the season, and we look forward to more thrilling displays as the team prepares for the Women’s ODI World Cup.

“This is an incredible moment for Tazmin Brits and for the Proteas Women,” said Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO. “Her performance has been nothing short of historic. To score back-to-back ODI centuries, setting a new national record, and with those record-breaking partnerships, demonstrates her skill and a level of consistency. Her place at the top of the SACA MVP rankings is a fitting reward for her phenomenal start to the season, and we look forward to seeing her continue to contribute to the team with such a positive impact.” 

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SACA Celebrates Proteas Women’s MVP Winners

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) is delighted to announce the winners of the Proteas Women’s SACA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards for the 2024/25 international season. These accolades, powered by CricViz’s advanced data analytics, highlight the outstanding individual contributions that shaped a memorable year for the team.

Taking the coveted overall Proteas Women’s SACA MVP title is captain Laura Wolvaardt. Her consistency across all formats ensured she maintained her lead throughout the season, a testament to her all-around impact and leadership on the field. This season, Wolvaardt has showcased her dominance with remarkable performances, this includes her maiden Test century (122 against India in July 2024) and most recently, she played a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 135 off 135 balls against India Women in Bengaluru on June 19, 2024*, showcasing her resilience and class in a challenging run-chase.

The Test arena saw a career-defining performance from Nonkululeko Mlaba, who claimed the top spot in the Test MVP rankings. Her excellent showing in the sole Test match against England earned her 53.457 MVP points. In December 2024, Mlaba delivered a 10-wicket match haul (4/90 and 6/67), a historic achievement as she became the first South African woman to achieve a 10-wicket haul in a Test match.

In the One Day Internationals, rising star Annerie Dercksen made a significant mark, taking the number one position from captain Laura Wolvaardt. Dercksen’s impactful performances saw her accumulate 140.545 MVP points. Over the last 14 months, she has played 11 ODIs, scoring 399 runs at an average of 40, including a high score of 104 against Sri Lanka in May 2025, and taking 10 wickets at an average of 24.30. These performances demonstrate her growing influence as an all-rounder in the 50-over game.

The T20 International rankings provided a thrilling finish to the season. Marizanne Kapp finished in a dominant first place with 144.431 MVP points, showcasing her consistent all-round brilliance in the shortest format. From May 2024 to June 2025, Kapp has been a pivotal force in T20Is, taking 15 wickets at an impressive average of around 14.5 and an economy rate close to 5.5. With the bat, she scored over 250 runs during this period, including a significant 57 against England at the end of 2024, consistently providing crucial contributions to the team’s wins. Captain Laura Wolvaardt secured second position with 141.533 MVP points, while Tazmin Brits rounded out the top three with 135.344 MVP points. Brits’ season included a career-best unbeaten 98 off just 63 balls in a T20i against West Indies in June 2025, underscoring her impactful contributions.

SACA MVP Rankings Powered by CricViz

The SACA Most Valuable Player Rankings, powered by CricViz’s cutting-edge analytics, offer a truly in-depth and accurate reflection of player impact. This sophisticated algorithm goes beyond traditional statistics, considering expected performance on every ball according to CricViz’s extensive database. It calculates batting, bowling, and fielding performances, factors in match-defining contributions, and even accounts for the historic performances of the venue where each fixture is played. This comprehensive analysis, which quantifies player influence in runs scored, conceded, and saved, provides a more accurate reflection of the top performers in the game compared to conventional batting and bowling averages.

Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO, stated: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Proteas Women this season, and especially to congratulate our SACA MVP winners. Wolvaardt’s consistent excellence as overall MVP, Mlaba’s dominant Test performance, Dercksen’s breakthrough in ODIs, and the highly competitive T20i rankings topped by Marizanne Kapp showcase the depth of talent within the squad. These rankings, made possible by our partnership with CricViz, give us a comprehensive view of their invaluable contributions to the team’s success throughout the 2024/25 season.”

Khaya Zondo, SACA President, added: “This past season for the Proteas Women has been nothing short of phenomenal. The dedication and passion they bring to the field is inspiring, and we’ve seen remarkable individual performances that have genuinely impacted matches. I extend my sincere congratulations to all our SACA MVP winners – Laura, Nonkuleko, Annerie, and Marizanne– for their exceptional contributions. Their achievements, accurately highlighted by the SACA MVP rankings, truly reflect their value to the team and their continued growth in the international arena.”

Proteas Women SACA MVP Rankings as of 30 June 2025:

Overall Rankings
Test Rankings
ODI Rankings
T20i Rankings
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Mlaba Tops Proteas Women’s SACA MVP Test Rankings

Nonkululeko Mlaba’s superb 10-wicket match haul in the once-off Test match against England has not only etched her name in the history books but also propelled her to the top of the Proteas Women’s SACA MVP Test rankings.

Mlaba’s dominant performance has seen her take over the top spot on 53.457 MVP points, ahead of Suné Luus on 49.899 MVP points and Laura Wolvaardt on 48.247 MVP points. This significant achievement is a testament to her exceptional skill, hard work, and dedication to the game.

In the overall SACA MVP rankings, Mlaba has climbed to the third position behind Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt. This highlights her consistent performances across all formats and her valuable contribution to the Proteas Women’s team.

The SACA Most Valuable Player Rankings offer a more nuanced approach to evaluating player performance. By leveraging CricViz’s extensive database, the algorithm considers factors such as expected performance, match-defining contributions, and venue-specific historical data. This comprehensive analysis goes beyond traditional batting and bowling averages, providing a more accurate reflection of a player’s impact on the game.

Proteas Women SACA MVP Overall Rankings as of 19 December 2024

Proteas Women SACA MVP Test Rankings as of 19 December 2024

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Wolvaardt Dominates Proteas Women’s MVP Rankings

Laura Wolvaardt’s performance in the recently concluded series against England has increased her lead at the top of the Proteas Women’s SACA MVP Overall and T20i rankings.

With a commanding lead of 34 points, Wolvaardt’s impressive tally of 217,712 MVP points puts her well ahead of the second-placed all-rounders, Marizanne Kapp (183.206 MVP points) and Suné Luus (123.206 MVP points).

Her absence from the final match did not diminish her overall impact. Her consistent batting performances, coupled with her fielding contributions, earned her valuable points across various categories. Additionally, her captaincy in the two matches she played further boosted her MVP score.

As the Proteas Women continue to rise in international cricket, Wolvaardt’s leadership and performances will be key to their future performances.

The SACA Most Valuable Player Rankings offer a more nuanced approach to evaluating player performance. By leveraging CricViz’s extensive database, the algorithm considers factors such as expected performance, match-defining contributions, and venue-specific historical data. This comprehensive analysis goes beyond traditional batting and bowling averages, providing a more accurate reflection of a player’s impact on the game.

Proteas Women SACA MVP Overall rankings as of 4 December 2024:

Proteas Women SACA MVP T20i rankings as of 4 December 2024:

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Wolvaardt holds onto top spot in the Proteas Women SACA MVP overall Rankings

Laura Wolvaardt’s outstanding performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup secured her the top position in the Proteas Women’s SACA MVP ranking.

Wolvaardt’s exceptional batting display throughout the tournament solidified her position as one of the world’s premier T20 batters.  She scored 223 runs at an average of 44.60 and a strike rate of 113.19.

The CricViz model comprehensively ranks player batting, bowling, and fielding performances on a single scale measured in runs, recognises and ranks players based on their performances in each game.

Marizanne Kapp’s performances at the World Cup earned her the top spot in the overall T20 rankings. Her all-round performances made her a standout performer throughout the tournament.

T20 Women’s World Cup Rankings

The SACA Most Valuable Player Rankings takes into account expected performance on every ball according to CricViz’s extensive database. The algorithm calculates batting, bowling, and fielding performances as well as match-defining contributions, and it considers the historic performances of the venue where each fixture is being played. Therefore, providing a more accurate reflection of the top performers in the game compared to traditional batting and bowling averages.

Proteas Women SACA MVP rankings as at 20 October 2024:

Proteas Women Overall Rankings
Proteas Women T20i Rankings
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Wolvaardt and Markram Top Proteas SACA MVP Overall Rankings

Aiden Markram and Laura Wolvaardt finished at the top of the Proteas SACA MVP rankings following their impressive performances in recent series matches.

The SACA MVP rankings are based on a combination of match performances, individual contributions, and overall impact. Wolvaardt and Markram’s consistent excellence across all areas of the game has secured them the top spot.

Wolvaardt who was a key player in the WT20i series against Pakistan, wrapped up the series on 120,654 points. Her consistent contributions with the bat, combined with her excellent performances in the outfield, and strategic captaincy earned her the prestigious spot at the top of the overall ranking table for the women.

The Proteas Men had a challenging ODI series against Afghanistan. Aiden Makram’s performances moved him to the top of the Proteas Men overall MVP ranking, a mere 0.214 points ahead of Tristan Stubs.

The SACA Most Valuable Player Rankings take into account expected performance on every ball according to CricViz’s extensive database. The algorithm calculates batting, bowling and fielding performances as well as match-defining contributions and considers the historic performances of the venue each fixture is being played at. Therefore, providing a more accurate reflection of the top performers in the game compared to traditional batting and bowling averages.

Proteas Women Overall MVP rankings

Proteas Men Overall MVP rankings

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SACA Launches Proteas MVP

SACA is proud to announce the launch of the Proteas MVP for Men and Women. Over the past decade, SACA has managed the SACA MVP for domestic cricketers, and the Proteas MVP will be managed alongside the domestic MVP.

In launching the Proteas MVP, SACA is partnering with CricViz, the world’s leading cricket data specialist, to be able to provide real-time post-match MVP statistics for the Proteas Men and Women.

The CricViz model is comprehensive and ranks player batting, bowling and fielding performances on a single scale measured in runs. Venue-specific elements that impact the progress of a match, such as average runs scored, wickets taken, and the nature of the pitch are taken into consideration. One of the many advantages of this MVP model is that points are allocated based on the context of the match during different phases and situations in that match. Furthermore, player points are graded, for each discipline, based on the effect the player’s performance has on the final outcome of a match.

“The domestic MVP has always been popular with players, and it is our hope that the Proteas MVP will provide players and fans alike with a statistical analysis that is accurate, interesting and enhances interest in our wonderful game” commented Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO.

Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma noted; “Given the volume of international cricket across the various formats, the Proteas MVP will provide an objective measure of performance. Cricket has always been a game of statistics; it will be great to focus the statistics on the actual performance of players.”

“MVP programmes for women have lagged behind those of the men, so this is a welcome addition for the women, and will add to the interest and growth of our game,” added Laura Wolvaardt, Proteas Women captain.

As at 30 August, the MVP Rankings across the formats played this season (commencing 1 June 2024) are as follows:

Overall Rankings
Proteas Men MVP – T20 World Cup stats

These rankings will be updated after each match played by the respective Proteas teams.

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PROTEAS WOMEN LOOKING FORWARD TO WI TOUR

Proteas captain, Dané van Niekerk believes the West Indies tour will provide the perfect opportunity for senior players to showcase their experience in conditions unknown to the majority of the team. South Africa’s last tour to the Caribbean region was in 2012 and only four players remain from that squad.

The tour will comprise a three-match ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) One-Day International (ODI) and five-match T20 series. It will play a big role in the tourists’ plans to secure points towards direct qualification for the 2021 ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as well as solidify preparation for the first-ever stand-alone ICC Women’s World T20 also in the West Indies this November.

“I think this is going to be a tough and challenging tour,” the skipper commented. “It’s located in absolute paradise, of course, you won’t get to see more beautiful places when on a cricket tour, but when it comes down to the business of cricket, the West Indies will test the athlete in you like very few places will. The heat, the humidity, their very unique pitches, it all comes down to one package that is designed to demand a lot out of a player and it’s why I’m really looking forward to seeing what the seniors do when they are presented with this type of challenge.

The seniors Van Niekerk refers to are vice-captain Chloe Tryon, Mignon du Preez and Marizanne Kapp, while she believes the knowledgeable minds of Lizelle Lee, Masabata Klaas and Suné Luus will also play a big role in rallying up the predominantly young team.

“I’m going to look to them to help lead the youngsters and provide guidance in the changeroom,” she continued. “We have four players who have toured here and another handful of senior players who have played all over the world and know what it’s like to adapt to difficult conditions. We have been blessed with an exciting group of youngsters who are salivating at just the thought of getting started and we need to bottle that energy and distribute it wisely.”

The Proteas boast four graduates from the South African Emerging team whose performances in the last season made compelling arguments for selection. Saarah Smith, Tumi Sekhukhune, Robyn Searle and Faye Tunnicliffe are all exciting prospects for Van Niekerk.

“It’s really encouraging to see how much talent has come up in the last few years and that the CSA pipeline is developing some quality players,” she elaborated. “I’m looking forward to seeing what these girls do and the fact that each offers something different and unique to the team’s needs is even better. That, mixed with other young talents that we already have in Laura Wolvaardt, Riaisibe Ntozakhe and Zintle Mali is the stuff captains’ dreams are made of. It’s going to be a good headache for selectors when it comes to picking teams going forward.

“We have a lot to play for on this tour and I hope that the balance of youthful exuberance to experience will give us that ‘X-Factor’ that we’re looking for because West Indies as a team in home conditions is going to be a big challenge.”

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MOMENTUM PROTEAS GO UP IN T20 SERIES

The Momentum Proteas continued their winning ways when they beat Bangladesh by 17 runs in the first Cricket South Africa (CSA) Women’s T20I in Kimberley. They go one-nil up in the three-match series.

Shabnim Ismail was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/19 in her four-over spell, including a maiden to help restrict the visitors to 110/5 chasing a 128-run target. Raisibe Ntozakhe (1/10) and Masabata Klaas (1/21) chipped in with a wicket each along the way.

Bangladesh’s Rumana Ahmed (36 off 41 balls) and Fargana Hoque (35 off 37) batted their side out of early trouble after losing the opening pair of Shamima Sultana (5) and Sanjida Islam (8) cheaply inside the first five overs. Ahmed and Hoque then went about reconstructing the innings, sharing a 72-run, fourth-wicket partnership before the former was toppled by Ismail. The bowlers squeezed away the overs, ensuring the tourists did not get over the line in the end.

Earlier in the day, the home side got off to a flying start with the bat thanks to a 77-run opening stand between Lizelle Lee (46 off 38 balls) and Laura Wolvaardt (30 off 22) after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Trouble came after the loss of Wolvaardt at the hands of Ahmed (2/19) in the 10th over. She and Khadija Tul Kubra (3/23) ripped through the South African top order, taking five wickets between them as the hosts slipped from 77/1 to 86/5 after 13 overs. They lost the openers, stand in captain Chloe Tryon (6), Mignon du Preez (1) and debutant Stacey Lackay (1) in rapid succession.

Marizanne Kapp added 11 runs to the scoreboard before she fell victim to Salma Khatun (1/12) off the first ball of the 19th over. Suné Luus took the innings in her own hands, blasting 28 runs from 23 deliveries including two fours and six, moving South Africa from 113/6 to a healthier 127 in the end.

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MOMENTUM PROTEAS KEEP INDIA FROM SERIES WHITEWASH

India’s quest for a maiden bilateral series whitewash against South Africa was thwarted by the hosts with a resounding seven-wicket win in Potchefstroom. Laura Wolvaardt and Mignon du Preez, who both struck half-centuries, played protagonists in South Africa’s first win in the three-match series, aided by a brisk 41-run cameo from captain Dane van Niekerk and India’s sloppiness in the end overs of their 240-run defence.

Needing 63 off the last nine overs, and the fourth-wicket stand between du Preez and Niekerk worth only nine runs, Shikha Pandey dropped a Niekerk force at mid-off off the first ball of the 42nd over. Four balls later, legspinner Poonam Yadav gave herself a chance of picking up her second wicket and India a shot at sending back du Preez, only to be squandered by wicketkeeper Sushma Verma in the form of a missed stumping. When Poonam came back in the 44th to bowl her ninth over, she dropped a return catch off van Niekerk, who subsequently unleashed a flurry of drives and sweeps – some while falling on her knee – and peppered the square-leg boundary for quick runs. She totaled five fours in her unbeaten 30-ball innings, while routinely capitalising on overthrows from India in the back-end of the chase.

Van Niekerk’s ingenuity amounted to a 72-run stand with du Preez, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 111-ball 90 that steered a 118-run third-wicket partnership with 18-year-old Wolvaardt. Coming into the game on the back of scores 9 and 21 in the previous two ODIs, Wolvaardt weathered the early loss of opening partner Lizelle Lee, and put on 41 runs with Andrie Steyn (30 off 53) en route to her 88-ball 59. In doing so, Wolvaardt became the youngest South African to notch up 1000 runs in ODI cricket. After Ekta Bisht removed Wolvaardt, du Preez kept the chase on track with plucky singles, including the one that sealed the chase with four balls to spare.

Out of the three changes made to India’s winning combination from the previous two matches, debutant Pooja Vastrakar, the teenage medium-pacer who came in for Jhulan Goswami, and Bisht, who replaced fellow left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, leaked 77 runs between them for a solitary wicket in their combined 18 overs. The other change – in the batting department – Mona Meshram, who came in for Punam Raut, pinched 11 in her 22-ball labour during an India innings that blew hot and cold in their 240-run effort.
While Smriti Mandhana, the Player of the Series, followed her 135 and 84 with a duck, captain Mithali Raj fell for a 24-ball 4 as both found themselves in the middle of a blistering opening burst from Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail, who topped and tailed her 9-1-30-4 with the wickets of Mandhana and tailender Bisht. Deepti Sharma, however, validated Raj’s decision to promote her to the opening role with a 112-ball 79. After van Niekerk brought Harmanpreet Kaur’s 35-ball 25 to an end, Deepti steadied India’s innings with an 83-run stand with Veda Krishnamurthy, becoming the youngest Indian to get to the 1000-run mark in women’s ODIs.

Krishnamurthy, meanwhile, added urgency to the innings with a quick-paced second straight fifty, before a run-a-ball 17 from Verma and 31-run blitz from Pandey hoisted India to 240 as the hosts bowled them out off the last ball of the innings, concluded by part-time bowler Chloe Tryon who took two wickets in her 10 overs.

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MOMENTUM PROTEAS WIN OPENING MATCH

The Momentum Proteas got their 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup campaign off to a winning start when they beat Pakistan by three wickets at Grace Road in Leicester on Sunday. This win marks the side’s highest-ever World Cup run chase after they were set a 207-run target by Sana Mir’s charges.

With Pakistan put in to bat first, Bibi Nahida represented a crucial presence at the crease as fellow opener Ayesha Zafar (nine) and then Javeria Wadood were all bowled by Marizanne Kapp and Moseline Daniels respectively for 43/2.

With just 20 runs managed inside the second 10 overs, it was looking like hard work for Pakistan.

But Bibi – who was dropped by Ayabonga Khaka on 26 – brought up her half-century off 75 balls to steady the ship. Her effort eventually ended when she was run out by Ismail but Pakistan boosted its total later on despite losing Sana Mir and Marina Iqbal off Ismail’s bowling in the final over.

The South Africa openers set about their business well early on with Lee bringing up 1 500 runs in ODI cricket with a six over mid-on before reaching her 10th ODI fifty in dramatic fashion as Sadia dropped a catch at long-on to concede four.

But when Lee and Wolvaardt – who brought up her fourth ODI fifty off 81 balls – were dismissed in the 26th and 31st overs respectively, panic seemed to spread through the South Africa team.

Trisha Chetty (11) was caught at midwicket by Javeria before the latter ran out Kapp (one), Chloe Tryon (three) was bowled by Sadia and captain Dane van Niekerk (two) was another run-out victim, this time by Nain, with four wickets lost for 19 runs.

Mignon du Preez then holed out to Asmavia Iqbal at deep midwicket but Ismail held her nerve.

Losing six wickets in 49 runs was not ideal, but Ismail made her biggest contribution in the game yet, smashing three boundaries in the second-last over to secure victory for her side.

Ismail said: “It’s really important to start tournaments like this on a positive note because it gives you momentum going into the next matches. The confidence boost from today’s game is going to take us a long way in this tournament, just that belief that we can pull off a win even when it looks as though we are down and out showed us that we are capable of more.

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KLAAS EXCITED ABOUT FIRST 50-OVER WORLD CUP

Momentum Proteas bowler, Masabata Klaas will embark on her first-ever trip to the England when the team depart for the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup on Friday. This will be her first time participating in a 50-over World Cup, having previously played for South Africa in the last two ICC Women’s World T20 competitions.

The Free State native believes that exposure to a high-intensity competition like the World Cup, coupled with having to play in unknown English conditions is what she needs to take her game to the next level.

“I can’t wait to go to England as it will be my first trip there and also my first 50-over World Cup,” she said. “As a team, we have prepared really well so far and playing in a competition like this, against the kind of opposition we will face, I can only get better as a player and it is an opportunity to up my game at the end of the day.”

“It’s definitely not an easy place to tour,” she continued. “Everyone is going to have to pull together and make sure we stick to our game plans. If we can learn from what we have seen from the men’s games, we will at least have taken a step in the right direction.”

Klaas, whose international career began in 2010 when she made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom, looks at how far the team has come since then and how much the women’s game has evolved.

She said; “Since my debut so much has changed for the women’s team. Momentum came on board with their sponsorship and changed a lot for us. The contracts that we got starting in 2013 have changed lots of girls’ lives and now our games are also on TV. I’m very excited about all our matches in the World Cup being televised on SuperSport.”

The team depart for England this Friday, 16 June 2017. An open media practice will be held tomorrow (Thursday, 15 June) at the outdoor nets at the CSA Centre of Excellence with interviews starting at 13:00.

Momentum Proteas ICC Women’s World Cup squad:
Dané van Niekerk (capt, Eastern Province), Chloe Tryon (vice-captain, KwaZulu-Natal), Trisha Chetty (wk, Gauteng), Moseline Daniels (Boland), Nadine de Klerk (Northerns), Mignon du Preez (Northerns), Shabnim Ismail (Gauteng), Ayabonga Khaka (Border), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Masabata Klaas (Free State), Lizelle Lee (North West), Sune Luus (Northerns), Raisibe Ntozakhe (Gauteng), Andrie Steyn (Western Province), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province).

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DE KOCK TURNS IN ANOTHER FIVE-STAR PERFORMANCE

Quinton de Kock  matched the previous performances of superstars Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers when he was named South African Cricketer of the Year and in all received a total of five awards at a glittering Cricket South Africa (CSA) awards function in Kyalami on Saturday evening.

Only Kagiso Rababa has done better with his six CSA awards last year. The other nine players to have received CSA’s most prestigious award are Jacques Kallis (2004 and 2011), Makhaya Ntini (2005 and 2006), Hashim Amla (2010 and 2013) and AB de Villiers (2014 and 2015) who have all won the award twice with the other previous winners being Shaun Pollock (2007), Dale Steyn (2008), Graeme Smith (2009), Vernon Philander (2012) and Rabada (2016).

In addition to the main award, De Kock was named Standard Bank Test Cricketer of the Year and Standard Bank ODI Cricketer of the Year, was honoured by his peers by being named SA Players’ Player of the Year and by the fans on being named SA Fans Player of the Year.

De Kock did, in fact, receive a sixth award which was for being named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year.

His statistics for the year were remarkable, highlighted by his ODI innings of 178 against Australia in a series that saw him score 300 runs at an average of exactly 60 and a strike rate in excess of 137. His Test match performances were notable for his ability to score big runs when needed and to take the game away from the opposition.

In addition, the quality of his glove work was brilliant.

The only awards he did not win for which he was eligible were the Standard Bank T20 International Player of the Year award that went to Imran Tahir for the second year in a row and the KFC Award of Excellence that went to Temba Bavuma, again for the second successive year, for his brilliant run out of David Warner.

De Kock obviously was not a contender for RAM Delivery of the Year and that again went to Kagiso Rabada for his delivery that bowled Usman Khawaja at Perth.

Sune Luus was named SA Women’s Cricketer of the Year while Lizelle Lee was named SA Women’s Players Player of the Year.

The International Newcomer of the Year awards went to Keshav Maharaj and Laura Wolvaardt.

“Simply outstanding! What a year Quinton has had,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. “He has shown the maturity of a seasoned campaigner with performances that have really counted when needed most, often blowing away the opposition in the process.

“It is encouraging that for the second time in a row our premier award has gone to one of our young stars who are shining with distinction alongside our world-class senior players.

“The way the Proteas have come through to rise up the ICC rankings in meteoric fashion has been quite brilliant and we now have a real team in the true sense of the word.

“Our domestic cricket remains blessed with great talents and congratulations to all the winners in those categories as well.

“I warmly congratulate all our winners, both at the international and domestic level, and I also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge our umpires, grounds staff and scorers, too.”

The Multiply Titans were once again the biggest winners in the Professional Awards: Domestic category. Duanne Olivier of the VKB Knights was named Sunfoil Series Cricketer of the Year but for the rest it was the Titans nearly all the way well with Mark Boucher being named Pitchvision Coach of the Year, Farhaan Behardien CSA T20 Challenge Player of the Year, Henry Davids Momentum One-day Cup Cricketer of the Year, and Aiden Markram Domestic Newcomer of the Year. In addition, the Titans won the CSA Fair Play Award.

Colin Ackermann of the Warriors did the double of Domestic Players Player of the season and the SACA Most Valuable Player award.

Shaun George was named both CSA Umpire of the Year and CSA Umpires Umpire of the Year while there was a proud moment when Marais Erasmus received the David Shepherd Trophy as the ICC Umpire of the Year.

The Africa Cup T20 Player of the tournament went to Patrick Kruger of Northern Cape while PPC Newlands-based Evan Flint was named groundsman of the year

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WOLVAARDT HISTORIC INNINGS

Laura Wolvaardt became the youngest centurion, male or female, for South Africa in international cricket. The 17-year old opener struck a match-winning 105 against Ireland Women to wrap up a 67-run victory in Malahide.

Wolvaardt’s innings began with consecutive fours against Lewis in the fourth over. She had nine boundaries by the time she raised her fifty – off only 51 balls. Her 13th hit to the fence took her to 99 in the 37th over and a couple the next time she got on strike gave her a maiden ODI century. She was 233 days younger than the previous South African record-holder, Johmari Logtenberg of the 2007 women’s team, and a full two years younger than Graeme Pollock when men’s international cricket is taken into account. In women’s cricket, only India’s Mithali Raj has made a hundred at a younger age.

Wolvaardt’s innings was part of an opening partnership that added 192 runs. From the other end, experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Trisha Chetty contributed with 95. With a total of 260 to defend, legspinner Sune Luus picked up her second five-for in three matches to leave the Irish women with very little chance. She took two of the first four wickets to fall leaving the score at 75 for 4. Isobel Joyce and Kim Garth struck half-centuries each, but their efforts barely mattered in a match South Africa dominated. Ireland were bowled out for 193, with six single-digit scores.

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