Local cricketers honoured to represent SA at world cup
The players are currently representing SA in the ICC U19 Women's T20 world cup in Malaysia.
Eastern Storm players Ashleigh van Wyk and Mieke van Voorst are honoured to wear their families’ names on their backs as they represent SA at the ongoing ICC U19 women’s T20 world cup in Malaysia.
Van Wyk and Van Voorst are part of the core of coach Dinesha Devnarain’s squad that has qualified for the Super Six phase of the competition after blowing their opponents apart with an unbeaten run in the group stages.
“It’s an honour for me being able to wear my family’s surname on my back, not only representing them but also my country and the badge, which we wear with pride,” said Van Wyk.
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Both players were part of the match-day squad in the three group phase games, where SA’s incredible run saw the girls beat New Zealand in their opening fixture before dismissing Samoa for just 16 runs to win by eight wickets in the second match.
They beat Nigeria by 41 runs in their last group game, with 16-year old Van Voorst among the wicket takers in this match.
“It’s a really big moment for me to represent my family and making a name for myself in such a big tournament. Being part of this squad means a lot to me because we worked really hard for the 18 months to get here,” Van Voorst said.
Sharing their experience of the world cup, all-rounder Van Wyk said she’s grateful for the opportunity to represent her country.
“To some in the team, it’s a once in lifetime experience. But for me being so young and with the possibility of another world cup, I’m blessed and cherishing every moment and memories made along the way.”
The Alberton resident said this experience will help her when she comes back to play for Easterns and local clubs.
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“This is an experience I will take back into my own game back home and ensure the standards and goals I have set aren’t dropped. It will also help me grow,” she added.
The 15-year old Van Voorst explained being part of Devnarian’s squad means a lot to her because of her hard work in the build-up to the competition.
The Kempton Park resident added that getting a taste of international cricket has been valuable and will be helpful as she looks to forge a career in the sport.
“This experience is going to help us going forward because it’s given us a taste of what international cricket is like. If you experience that at a young age, it helps you going forward,” she said.
SA’s march to the semis begin with their first Super Six clash against Ireland on January 25 (05:30) before meeting the USA on January 28 (04:30).
