Mount Maunganui, March 14 (NationPress) Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa, emphasized that every match in the five-game T20I series against New Zealand is crucial for maximizing their playtime as they gear up for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled in England from June 12 to July 5.

The Proteas women will kick off the series against the White Ferns on Sunday in an afternoon match, with their male counterparts set to compete later that evening.

“It's fantastic. While we are here, we should seize the opportunity to play a few extra matches, especially with the World Cup approaching. Our primary aim is to engage in as much T20 cricket as we can,” said Laura.

“With five games, we get the chance to experiment and make adjustments. This provides a great platform for us, and we hope to clinch the series,” she added, as stated in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) release.

This series is part of a historic double-header, marking the first occasion that both South African teams play a full series of consecutive matches against the same nation, a development that excites Laura immensely.

“You feel like one big unit over here, exchanging insights and discussing strategies. Observing how they navigate their game is exciting for me as well. It’s not often that you tour alongside each other, but it will be thrilling to watch their match after ours,” she expressed.

Stand-in men's captain Keshav Maharaj shared the sentiment regarding the growth of women's cricket globally. “Women's cricket has progressed significantly, and it's wonderful for them to be in the spotlight. They have delivered some incredible performances, with thrilling matches that have gone down to the last moment - it's also exhilarating for us to witness it live,” he remarked.

The last encounter between the Proteas Women and the White Ferns was in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai, where the latter claimed victory. Meanwhile, the Proteas Men faced the Blackcaps earlier this month in the semi-final of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata, where they were defeated by nine wickets.

The men’s squad includes five uncapped players - Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Nqobani Mokoena, and Prenelan Subrayen. “This rivalry has always been thrilling. There’s a lot of respect between the two sides, with good cricket played on the field.

“New Zealand is a formidable team, especially after their recent success in India. However, I believe our squad possesses a youthful energy. We’re hopeful for a strong series,” Maharaj added.

“We are also aiming for victory with a youthful team. As Shuks mentioned the other day, it would be a remarkable story to tell when we board that flight home, reflecting on how special it was to be part of this experience,” Maharaj concluded.

The series opener on Sunday will also mark Maharaj’s 50th T20I appearance. He debuted in 2021 and has since established himself as one of the Proteas’ most reliable players. “It’s been five years since my debut in Sri Lanka as captain, and now I’m at my 50th. My enthusiasm and energy remain the same, and I strive to stay true to my approach,” he said.

“While my preparation hasn't changed, I am genuinely excited to captain this youthful side and aim to get the best out of them. I remember entering this environment as a junior ten years ago. I’ve played against some exceptional leaders, but Faf always stood out for his empathy and care.

“I aspire to emulate that style, not just as a captain but also as a senior player, guiding the younger members and being a supportive figure to them,” Maharaj concluded.