Chloe and South Africa in pursuit of a date with destiny

CHLOE Tryon was over the moon. After all, she had taken a stunner to dismiss Australian captain Meg Lanning at the packed Newlands Stadium in the 2023 T20 World Cup final. With a shortish ball from Marizanne Kapp on offer, Lanning had almost nailed a pull shot before Tryon sprinted from deep backward square leg to complete the catch. Such was the occasion that she roared her heart out facing the crowd who had turned the stadium into a South African party.

- KALYANI MANGALE

If that was the peak of her career, a few hours later, she witnessed probably one of the biggest gut punches ever when the World Cup trophy slipped away. It became a reality when the same Lanning lifted the T20 World Cup trophy for the 4th time in the backdrop of Table Mountain. It wasn't to be for South Africa. However, as luck would have it, Tryon and South Africa are getting ready to face Australia again. This time in the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium. Many things have changed and for the better. While the respect for their opponents is still there, this time South Africa and Tryon believe. For they have beaten this unit in the shortest format earlier this year.