South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was left bitterly disappointed after her side were no match for New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai on Saturday.
After an incredible performance in the semi-final to beat Australia for the first time in a T20 World Cup match, the Proteas could not replicate that kind of cricket in the final.
After a solid opening partnership between Wolvaardt (33) and Tazmin Brits, the Proteas chase systematically fell away.
Ultimately, SA could only manage 126/9 as New Zealand romped to a 32-run win, a victory which looked increasingly likely halfway through the Proteas chase.
Laura Wolvaardt reflects on South Africa's #T20WorldCup journey 👇![CDATA[]]>🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/tgyztOJ4kM
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‘We just didn’t show up’
“It’s obviously not a nice feeling. I think a lot of us really thought this was our opportunity. I think probably let them score a bit too many with the bat. They came out with some real intent and I think it sort of caught us on the back foot a little bit,” said Wolvaardt.
“I think especially after the cricket that we played in the semi-final, we thought we could do the same in the final and [we] just didn't show up on the day.”
Amelia Kerr (43 from 38) and Brooke Halliday (38 from 28) took the game away from the Proteas with a fourth wicket stand of 57 in seven overs as New Zealand posted an imposing 158/5.
“I think they had a really good last five or six overs where they really pushed that run rate and we were perhaps a bit off.”
Asked if South Africa caved under the pressure in the final, Wolvaardt was emphatic in her response.
“I don't think so. I think if that was the mindset we would have lost the semi-final to the world champions,” said Wolvaardt.
“I think that game brought out the best in us, and that was a very high pressure game. I think it is just a bit random sometimes. Sometimes you have your best game and I think we played our best game a couple of days too early.