The future of women’s cricket in South Africa looks bright if the talent on display in the third edition of the Women’s Super League (WSL 3.0) is anything to go by.

The picturesque venue of Six Gun Grill Newlands was the setting this week as most of South Africa’s best female cricketers pitted their wits against each other in the tournament.

Four teams, six matches over three days with Table Mountain as a backdrop and the splendid Cape Town weather made a recipe for some good action on the field.

A total of eight half-centuries were scored across the six games, which is more than the two previous editions of the competition combined, while it was also good to see bowling and fielding units hold their nerve and show composure in some pressure situations.

Proteas stars, including Sune Luus and Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Tumi Sekhukhune, Trisha Chetty, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka and Laura Wolvaardt showed their class at different moments but there was also an encouraging glimpse into the future as young players stood up with some outstanding contributions.

Among the young, exciting batters, Annerie Dercksen showed immense promise with the willow. What was particularly impressive was her wide range of strokes that she has in her locker as the right-hander peppered the boundary all around Newlands on the second day.

The 22-year-old Faye Tunnicliffe also ended the tournament on a high with a breezy half-ton while Anneke Bosch (4 ODIs and 2 T20Is) and Nonkhululeko Thabethe (1 ODI and 1 T20I) certainly showed enough to suggest that they could add to their appearances at international level.

From a bowling perspective, teenage spinners Kgomotso Rapoo and 16-year-old spinner Madison Landsman really do give the ball a solid rip, bamboozling and few batters along the way.

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The standout performer with the ball though belonged to 21-year-old seamer Nobulumko Baneti, who must have benefited immensely from having the experience of Proteas speedster Ismail on the same team, showing exactly why these national tournaments are needed.

Adept in the Powerplay and at the death, Beneti is destined to reach higher honours if she continues her rapid progression.
A special mention must go to seamer Monalisa Legodi, who at just 15 years of age would have lapped up the experience of playing and learning with some of her cricketing heroes.

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Barring a few minor mishaps between some security personnel and the media contingent, it was a good few days of action with the DJ providing solid soundtracks as entertainment throughout.

Proteas women’s coach Hilton Moreeng, who was in attendance at the famous ground, must have been pleased with the talent on display as they get ready for an incoming limited-overs (T20 and ODI) tour against Pakistan next month.

Equally, Dinesha Devnarain, who was appointed national women’s U19 and women’s national academy head coach earlier this year, must have been smiling as she should have plenty to work with as she prepares for the inaugural U19 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh in 2021.

It will be a busy start to the new year for players around the country as the second leg of the WSL is scheduled to be held at the Wanderers in March.

Photo: Sports Inc

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