Proteas spinner Mlaba still haunted by World Cup heartache

Bowler Nonkululeko Mlaba opens up about the disappointment of losing two finals in a row ahead of the Women's Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. By Yanga Sibembe

- By Yanga Sibembe

South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba in action during the first women’s T20 match against England at Buffalo Park Stadium, East London, on 24 November 2024.

(Photos: Gallo Images)

Nonkululeko Mlaba is one of the best bowlers around. Along with the likes of captain Laura Wolvaardt and veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, she's one of the first picks when the strongest Proteas Women's team is assembled.

The Proteas are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since suffering heartbreak at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. South Africa fell to a 32-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the decider.

The loss rubbed salt in South Africa's wounds. A year earlier, the Proteas had reached their maiden T20 World Cup final on home soil. The Aussies vanquished them by 19 runs in that contest.

As the team enters the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November, Mlaba can't help but recall the trauma of those double final defeats.

The left-arm orthodox spinner says the defeat by New Zealand a year ago is particularly painful because South Africa beat the mighty Australia in the semifinals, only to freeze against the White Ferns.

"I still haven't healed from that, because we had it. I don't know what happened. Whether it was nerves or something else we let it slip from our grasp," Mlaba said.

She questioned the chances of South Africa reaching a third successive final, especially as this World Cup on the subcontinent will be the first one under the leadership of coach Mandla Mashimbyi. The mentor was appointed in November 2024.