South Africa cricketers Enjoy a Taste of Home and Thrilling Desert Adventure at UAE Ahead of ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2024

The Proteas Women, currently in Dubai gearing up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, recently enjoyed two memorable experiences as they prepare for the tournament.

On Sunday, the South African Consul General in the UAE, Andrew Tsepo Lebona, hosted the team for a special meal at Hyperama, a popular South African restaurant in Dubai. Consul General Lebona highlighted the importance of the event, calling it a “home away from home” experience where the players could enjoy South African favorites like chakalaka and pap in a familiar atmosphere.

Team captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed gratitude for the meal, saying it brought them closer to home and was a reminder of the comfort of home-cooked meals while on tour. She also spoke about the strong South African community in Dubai and her excitement at seeing South African fans in the stands during the World Cup matches.

The next day, the team experienced an exciting desert adventure, which included riding dune buggies, quad bikes, and 4x4 dune bashing. Afterward, they enjoyed a VIP dinner at the Noble Campsite, complete with traditional dance and fire shows. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba shared her excitement about the desert activities, especially enjoying the high-speed rides, and called it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Consul General Lebona also gave the team a message of support, reminding them of their successful tours in Australia and Pakistan, and emphasizing the backing of the 140,000 South Africans living in Dubai.

The Proteas Women will begin their World Cup campaign in Dubai on Friday, 4 October, against the West Indies. Wolvaardt encouraged South African fans in Dubai to attend the matches and cheer for the team.

Proteas Women Squad - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (UAE):  
- Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon  
- Traveling Reserve: Miané Smit  

South Africa’s Fixtures - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (3-20 October)  
- 29 September: Warm-up vs New Zealand (Dubai)  
- 1 October: Warm-up vs India (Dubai)  
- 4 October: South Africa vs West Indies (Dubai)  
- 7 October: South Africa vs England (Sharjah)  
- 9 October: South Africa vs Scotland (Dubai)  
- 12 October: South Africa vs Bangladesh (Dubai)  
- 17 October: Semi-final 1 (Dubai)  
- 18 October: Semi-final 2 (Sharjah)  
- 20 October: Final (Dubai)