Picture Credit: X
South Africa Women will wear a special shirt during their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against West Indies Woman on Friday, October 4. The Laura Wolvaardt-led Proteas Women will begin their campaign, hoping for a win as they take on West Indies Women at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai at 3:30 am (IST).
The Proteas Women will be paying tribute to their closest friends and family. The players will have the names of up to five important people in their lives embroidered on their playing shirts in order to remind them of their most loved ones at home.
South Africa to use “Always Rising - For Me, For Her, For Them, For All, For South Africa, For The Proteas”
The Proteas Women, who will take on West Indies Women in their tournament opener on Friday, will wear the customised shirts in order to honour their loved ones. Moreover, South Africa will use the message “Always Rising - For Me, For Her, For Them, For All, For South Africa, For The Proteas”, to stay connected.
The official X handle of Proteas Women informed of this ahead of the match, stating, “The Proteas Women will not only showcase their incredible talent, but also honour the bonds that keep them grounded. This powerful message acknowledges and thanks their broader community, support structures, loved ones and the South African nation for their unwavering support.” “The players will take the field in customised playing shirts with embroidered names of family members and close friends. A tangible reminder of home close to their hearts, even in the intensity of competition,” the caption further read.
Speaking about this gesture ahead of their opening match, captain Laura Wolvaardt said, “Carrying a piece of home with me during the tournament gives me strength. I know I’m not alone out there; my loved ones are with me in spirit.” Wicketkeeper, Sinalo Jafta, also hailed this gesture as “special touch” while she pays tribute to her mother and counsellor. “When I look down and see the names of those most important to me, it reminds me to always give my best and remember those who have been there for me from day one,” Jafta added.
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off in the style on Thursday, October 3 in the United Arab Emirates. The host nation, Bangladesh opened the tournament with a win, beating Scotland by 16 runs, followed by Pakistan beating Sri Lanka to get to a winning start. On Day 2 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, while South Africa will take on West Indies, in the second match, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women will take on New Zealand in Dubai.
