U19 Women's T20 World Cup: Meso Pledges Support to Fellow Young Players
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New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) As she gears up for her second appearance in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, South African wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso expressed her determination to support young players who have found themselves in similar situations as she once did during the prestigious tournament.
Karabo, who has already participated in two senior women's T20I matches, is among seven South African players set to compete in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for a second time, commencing on January 18 in Malaysia. South Africa has been placed in Group C, which includes New Zealand, Nigeria, and Samoa.
"I never anticipated becoming a senior player. I am here to assist everyone who finds themselves in the same shoes I was in during their inaugural World Cup. We will not be too hard on them, as it is their first experience and our second. We will simply share the advice I received in 2023: just do your best," Karabo stated in a press release from the ICC on Monday.
Reflecting on her call-up to the senior team, which took place during the T20Is against Sri Lanka, Karabo recounted receiving the news while competing at the Africa Games in Ghana. "When I received that call, everything around me fell silent," she said.
"Things progressed so swiftly. It demonstrates that no matter how much you may plan your life, these pivotal moments don’t always unfold according to your timeline. I was in disbelief; suddenly, I was part of a team with players I had only ever watched on television."
When asked about the lessons she gained from her time in the senior women's setup as a 16-year-old, Karabo shared, "The most valuable experience was observing the players' routines before and after matches, and how they managed themselves. It’s truly remarkable. Whenever I was on the ground, I would watch everyone, noting what they did and what worked for them, even down to how they donned their gloves!"
Karabo hails from a family of athletes, with her mother excelling in netball and her father engaging in softball. She was introduced to cricket while watching her sister play. Eventually, she transitioned from sprinting to cricket, embracing wicket-keeping, which led her to participate in South Africa's inaugural U19 World Cup at home in 2023.
"Their coach was dissatisfied with their performance on the field. He called me over and started tossing balls to me in the nets. We practiced for an hour, and he told my mother, 'You should bring her to practice; she has potential.' Being an effective keeper means being the loudest on the field. Constant communication, guiding the team, and assisting in field placements contribute to being a successful keeper."
