Going into the showpiece event, Proteas Women had all eyes on them given that they finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition of the tournament.
That pressure seemed to bring out the best in the players as everyone delivered on their responsibilities with spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba being the best player on the day.
Following her career-best figures of 4/29, Mlaba told the media that the reason behind their clinical performance on Friday was the fact that the team is hungry for the trophy.
“For us, now we are in it to win it,” she said. “We’ve failed in the semi-finals a couple of times and failed in the final so now it’s either we win it or not. That’s the mentality of the team now, we are just in it to win it.”
Mlaba added that Cricket South Africa spin lead, Paul Adams, has played a massive role in her finding her confidence once again.
The 24-year-old added that Proteas Women wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta also plays a big role in her performances.
“He and I (Adams) have been working especially on consistency,” said Mlaba. “I feel that’s something that I’ve been lacking as well. He’s helped me in terms of trusting my arm-ball. That is what’s worked for me, along with the change of pace,” she added.
“Sinalo is that annoying big sister but we have a good relationship. Since she’s the wicketkeeper, she sees things differently and she plays a huge role in my bowling as well.
“If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t be able to see what I need to adjust but she’s always there to guide me. I also love the energy that she gives me every time. Each and every ball she makes sure she keeps me awake and keeps me going.”
South Africa is set to play England in Sharjah tomorrow and Mlaba will be key to the team’s success in a ground that tends to offer favourable conditions for the spinners.
Having played in a number of World Cups, Proteas Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt will be relying on Mlaba’s experience to help keep the England Women batters quiet.
“Now I’ve gained a lot of experience because I’ve played quite a lot of games and I also watch a lot of cricket so I learn from the best,” said Mlaba.
“Also, I feel like I’ve trusted my role in the team, trusted my bowling and now I have that a strong mentality when I’m going into the field knowing that I’ve got this.
“Every time I’m just focused. I still get nervous but I mean now it’s in a good way that I always want the challenge and I’m always hungry for the challenge.”