South Africa vs England Women's T20 Series Starts tomorrow

The process of rejoining the Proteas Women's T20 International (T20I) team has not been easy for Faye Tunnicliffe. The 25-year-old Cape Town native will once more don the green and gold as South Africa prepares to play England in a three-match series in East London from November 24 to 30. Benoni andTshwane.

Tunnicliffe's comeback signifies a new chapter in her cricket career, one that has been molded by tenacity, passion, and an unshakable spirit of competition. She last played for South Africa on the road against India in March 2021.

Tunnicliffe muses, "I feel like I've had a lot of growth over the last three, four years." "All of my effort and perseverance—being quite obstinate about my objective—are beginning to pay off. But this isn't the ultimate objective. The ultimate objective is to contribute and perform.

Playing garden cricket with her father in the backyard was the beginning of Tunnicliffe's passion for the game. I was always fiercely competitive with my dad, whether we were playing golf, squash, or cricket. That's the source of my competitive personality," she says. Her favorite memory is from Greyton Primary School, where she made a one-handed catch in a mixed cricket match when she was six years old.

The pivotal moment, though, occurred in Grade 5 when a buddy informed her that "cricket is for boys." "Tell coach that I'll be at the next practice," was her straightforward but determined response. She flourished in boys' cricket teams during her high school years at Somerset College, where she honed her talents in a very competitive setting, thanks to her audacious choice.

She remembers, "Playing on the boys' team was really competitive." They didn't mince words. They reasoned that this was an aim that might prevent me from joining the squad. Let's try to get her to bounce out of the net.

Her scholastic journey at ETA College bolstered her aspirations to play cricket. She claims to have completed a three-year diploma program in sport and exercise science and to be certified in sports nutrition. I was curious as to why I was required to perform strenuous deadlifts and squats. Everything has improved my game.

In 2018, Tunnicliffe's international debut was somewhat of a blur. She confesses, "I felt like a deer in headlights." However, what a journey. Few people receive a call that reads, "You will be making your national debut in one of the most breathtaking locations on earth in just four days."

She joined a team full of legendary players like Marizanne Kapp, Lizelle Lee, and Mignon du Preez in the match against the West Indies, which was played in advance of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018. "Being among such incredible players makes me feel incredibly fortunate," she says.

It was a melancholy recollection of Tunnicliffe's final international performance in 2021. Despite scoring a career-high 18, it signaled the beginning of the Proteas team's three-year break. However, the all-round player, who has also claimed six wickets in South Africa's T20I cricket, chose to focus her energies on her domestic career with the SA Emerging team, which placed second in the Women's T20 competition at the 2024 African Games in Ghana as a member of Team SA, and the World Sports Betting Western Province.

After years of unwavering perseverance and self-belief, she was called up to the national squad. "It's great to be back here," she exclaims. "I am truly honored. It serves as a reminder that perseverance is rewarded.

Outside of the field, Tunnicliffe is a complex individual. An enthusiastic lover of animals who manages a Cape Town gym and finds comfort in going to game parks. Having performed for more than 14 years, she is also a gifted guitarist. She smiles and continues, "I'd love to start a band one day."

She doesn't think twice when asked who her favorite cricket player is: "Sachin Tendulkar." He was not only a fantastic cricket player, but I also agree with his attitude that a good person should come before a brilliant cricket player.

With the knowledge of experience and the desire of a young player looking to establish herself, Tunnicliffe is ready to play England. "To perform and contribute is the ultimate goal," she said.

England vs. Proteas Women's T20I Team: Inbound Tour (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) of the Faith Titans, Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province)

The Proteas Women's Inbound Tour matchup with England is scheduled for November 24–15.

T20I Series: South Africa vs. England, Sunday, November 24, @ 14:00, Buffalo Park Stadium, East London
Wednesday, November 27 from 18:00 to 2: T20I: Willowmoore Park, Benoni, South Africa vs. England
Third Twenty20 International: South Africa vs. England, SuperSport Park, Centurion, Saturday, November 30, at 18:00

The IWC ODI Series

The first IWC ODI between South Africa and England will take place at Kimberley Oval on Wednesday, December 4 at 14:00.
Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban will host the second Black Day ODI between South Africa and England on Sunday, December 8 at 10:00.
The third IWC ODI between South Africa and England will take place at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, December 11 at 14:00.
Just the Test
At 10:00 on Sunday, December 15–Wednesday, December 18, the only test between South Africa and England will take place at Mangaung Oval,Bloemfontein.