Uncertainty Surrounds T20 World Cup Final Loss: Nonkululeko Mlaba
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Bloemfontein, Dec 14 (NationPress) As South Africa prepares for a one-off Test against England, spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba opened up about the team's loss in the Women's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, stating that they are still unsure about the errors made.
"We are still attempting to understand our missteps, as we genuinely don’t know what went wrong," BBC Sport reported Mlaba saying.
Having claimed 12 wickets in the tournament, second only to Melie Kerr's 15, she is determined to bring the trophy home soon.
"I believed we had the World Cup in our grasp, but I cannot explain what unfolded on that day. Nonetheless, we will return and, hopefully, claim the trophy soon," she vowed.
Mlaba played a vital role in South Africa's journey as runners-up in the UAE, including a standout performance of 4-29 against the West Indies during the group stages. The Proteas were strong contenders for the title in Dubai after a significant eight-wicket victory over the defending champions, Australia, in the semifinals. However, destiny favored New Zealand as South Africa fell short by 32 runs in their pursuit of 159.
With little time to dwell on their recent defeat, South Africa quickly shifted focus to a multi-format series against England that commenced weeks later. This series presents an opportunity for Mlaba to potentially earn her fourth Test cap when South Africa faces England in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Now recognized as a key player in South Africa’s bowling attack, Mlaba’s ascent has been anything but typical. Growing up in a township in KwaZulu-Natal, her initial passion was for traditional Zulu dance. At that time, cricket was largely seen as a sport for white individuals, adding to the challenges she faced.
Despite the ongoing economic hurdles in South Africa and the sport's prominence in affluent schools, Mlaba's resolve has remained strong. Recently honored as the KwaZulu-Natal Sportswoman of the Year, she expresses her gratitude for the support that has propelled her to this point. Instead of dwelling on her background challenges, she aspires to motivate young girls to chase their dreams, irrespective of their origins.
"Support is essential; nothing compares to support, motivation, and belief," Mlaba highlighted when discussing ways to engage more black women in cricket.
"Cricket does not enjoy the same popularity in our nation as rugby or football. In my township, I observe numerous talented boys, but some fail to thrive due to the mindset that their background is a barrier."
"I would advise them not to focus on their origins; it's about the effort you put in. If you work diligently towards your goals, success will follow," she asserted.
Having demonstrated her capabilities in national colors, Mlaba has already represented South Africa in 60 T20Is and 26 ODIs. She remains committed to playing cricket for as long as possible and contributing to her team's success.
The forthcoming Test against England concludes a hectic 2024, but the future looks even more promising. With a 50-over World Cup set for 2025 and the T20 World Cup for 2026, Mlaba and her South African teammates are focused on fulfilling their shared ambition of securing their first ICC title.
