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Global cricket stars share their excitement 20 days out from the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

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The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is now just 20 days away, as the world’s leading cricketers share their excitement ahead of the event which begins on 10 February, when South Africa face Sri Lanka at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.

The wait for Africa’s first Women’s T20 World Cup is nearly over with squads putting in their final preparations to contest the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. The 10 best teams in the world will be in action across three iconic venues, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, Boland Park in Paarl and St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Fans can watch 15 days of world-class cricket and enjoy an exclusive promotion of 30,000 tickets selling for only R30 rands.

Excited South Africans marked the 20 days to go milestone with a celebration of beach cricket at Camps Bay in Cape Town, with Proteas men’s limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma, Proteas women players Andrie Steyn and local celebrities including the Queen of radio Anele and fans soaking up the anticipation that is building across the country.

South Africa men’s captain, Temba Bavuma said: “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in South Africa this year. It’s an incredible opportunity for all the players to be a part of history with South Africa hosting its first ever Women’s T20 World Cup. Playing in a World Cup is the pinnacle for any cricketer and I can’t wait to watch the ladies turning it up on the biggest stage.”

As the world turns up to watch fast-paced, high-energy cricket the focus will quickly turn to who will be crowned the eighth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup champions on 26 February. South Africa’s Lara Goodall, West Indies’ Hayley Matthews, New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and India’s Jemimah Rodrigues who are all a part of the 100% Cricket Superstars programme, an initiative that celebrates the best talent in the women’s game will be in action in South Africa from 10 – 26 February and share their thoughts ahead of the event.

South Africa’s batter, Lara Goodall said: “The countdown is on, we are getting closer, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the world’s best cricketers to South Africa. This is a historic moment for South Africa and the Proteas, I hope all South Africans will turn up and be a part of it.”

West Indies’ all-rounder, Hayley Matthews can’t wait to play in South Africa again: “I believe all the players are looking forward to playing in South Africa, as a team, we the West Indies love playing there. Personally, I am excited to be playing a World Cup there, having played bilateral cricket before and I’m hoping that the crowds come out and support us. The pitches in South Africa have something for everyone, the spinners get something, the batters get something, and the fast bowlers all get something out of them.”

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, the world record holder for the youngest international double centurion, said: “I have heard many great things about South Africa, I can’t wait to play in a T20 World Cup in such an amazing country. We are coming off from hosting a World Cup at home and it was incredible to see the support for women’s cricket. We hope the fans will be out in their numbers for this incredible event.”

India’s Jemimah Rodrigues said: “It’s great to be in South Africa already preparing for the Women’s T20 World Cup. You can see and feel the excitement around the country for this event, which is the pinnacle of T20 cricket. We can’t wait for the tournament to get started come 10 February.”

The 100% Cricket campaign is the long-term commitment to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket. Over the past year many opportunities have been provided to females in the game through the campaign including the 100% Cricket Coach and Umpire Workshops, webinars, the 100% Cricket podcast, the next edition of the Future Leaders Programme and most recently in the introduction of the first ever mentorship programme at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 will be putting on a spectacular show for all spectators, with entertainment and festivities at the centre of a day out at the cricket. Fans can look out for top South African artists performing at prominent matches, DJs on the decks, giveaways and more, a memorable and inclusive experience for everyone. Fans can get in on the action by purchasing their tickets at www.t20worldcup.com/tickets or ticket offices at any of the venues.

Cricket came to South Africa during the Napoleonic Wars and with the British forces occupying South Africa. The first match recorded was in 1808 in Cape Town between two service teams, for a prize of one thousand rix-dollars.

The oldest cricket club in South Africa is the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, founded in 1843. Few clubs in the world can boast such a long existence. The first championship was held in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in 1876 for the “champion bat.” Competing teams were Cape Town, Grahamstown, King Williams Town, and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha). It was won by King Williams Town and the year after that too.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.