100-day countdown to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins

With officially less than 100 days to go, the excitement for one of the most significant women’s sporting events in Africa is heating up.

The tournament is set to be the pinnacle of female sport in South Africa, uniting the world’s greatest players and promises to be a sporting showcase the nation won’t forget.

For the first time in South Africa, the eighth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup welcomes 10 nations including tournament hosts, South Africa, the defending champions Australia as well as England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland.

The world’s greatest players wait a lifetime for moments like this and the eyes of the world are about to fix themselves on South Africa.

It is time for South Africans to once again show the world that there is no World Cup like an African world cup. It is time for South Africa to #TurnItUp for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

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Star Proteas batter, Laura Wolvaardt, is looking forward to representing South Africa for the first time in a ‘once-in-a-career’ opportunity. “I cannot believe we have officially started the 100-day countdown.

“Hosting a world cup on home ground is truly remarkable and it is an opportunity that might only happen once in my career.

“This world cup also achieves a few firsts for me, as it will be the first time, I will be playing in a world cup and the first time I will be playing for South Africa and Newlands.

“I am looking forward to seeing fans turn it up at stadiums and truly show the world our national pride,” added Wolvaardt.

Defending champions Australia will open their campaign against neighbours New Zealand at Boland Park on February 11 in search of their sixth Women’s T20 World Cup title.

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Vice-captain, Alyssa Healy, said playing in South Africa will be a good test of their skill and character.

“It’s exciting to think that the next world cup is only 100 days away. The women’s game continues to go from strength to strength and I’ve got no doubt the next tournament will be a memorable one. We’re looking forward to taking on the best teams in the world and defending the world cup,” said Healy.

Indian batter, Smriti Mandhana, stated India is motivated to improve on their 2020 performance, which saw them go out to host Australia in the final, which had a record-breaking attendance of 86 174 at the MCG.

“The Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa promises to be a spectacular event. We are looking forward to heading there and competing against the best teams in the world,” she said.

“We came up short against Australia in the final in 2020 so we are motivated to go one further in 2023. South Africa is a beautiful country to tour. The people, their love for cricket, and the in-stadium atmosphere is going to make for a truly amazing experience.”

As South Africa prepares to put on an unforgettable cricketing spectacle in February, the nation looks forward to the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom and Benoni in January.

Fans are encouraged to #TurnItUp for the world cup and their favourite teams and players, who will be in action in 23 matches over 15 days.

Tickets across the three venues – Newlands, Boland Park and St George’s Park – are available at the ticket offices at the stadium and online via https://womens.t20worldcup.com/tickets