Proteas seek redemption against Australia

Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt admits she is feeling a sense of “déjà vu” facing Australia in the T20 Women’s World Cup semi-final on Thursday in the UAE, but wants her team to make the nation proud.

It was less than 18 months ago when the Proteas Women made history by becoming the first senior South African cricket team to reach a World Cup final.

It was a momentous occasion at Newlands in Cape Town, with Wolvaardt striking a half-century to take the Proteas to the brink of victory.

Unfortunately, Australia’s experience in major tournaments finals shone through, and the girls in canary yellow lifted a third consecutive T20 World Cup title – and sixth overall.

But now the South Africans have an opportunity to avenge their Newlands defeat, buoyed by the fact that Wolvaardt has the experience of leading her team to two historic ODI and T20I victories over the previously invincible Aussies earlier this year.

“Obviously a massive game for us.

It is a bit of déjà vu, having faced them in the final just over a year ago. But I think a lot has happened since then, though,” Wolvaardt said ahead of the much-anticipated clash in Dubai today (4pm start).

“We’ve had the two wins against them this year. That gives us a bit of positive energy in the camp, in terms of knowing if we play our best cricket, they are beatable.”

While the Proteas are undoubtedly the underdogs in the UAE, they have the potential to close off a remarkable South African sporting year after the Proteas’ Men’s team also reached a first-ever T20 World Cup final, the world champion Springboks winning the Rugby Championship, UFC fighter Dricus du Plessis retaining his world champion belt and swimmer Tatjana Smith claiming gold at the Paris Olympics.

“I remember watching all those games with family and friends.

I think it’s an amazing opportunity to have all those eyes on us,” Wolvaardt said.

Cape Times