Mlaba continues to lead the way internationally
As the Proteas prepare for a second consecutive T20 World Cup final, Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies and Proteas left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba is leading the way, having become the first South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup.
The 24-year-old, who is affectionately known as Leftie, has picked up 10wickets at the current World Cup at an average of just 10.55 with career-best figures of 4-29 against the West Indies in their tournament opener.
The Ntuzuma-raised star is currently tied with New Zealand's Amelia Kerr as the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup.
She followed up her four-wicket haul with 1-22 against England and then helped dismantle Scotland with a return of 3-12 from her four overs. In their final group match against Bangladesh Mlaba continued her wicket-taking form with 1-11 in four overs.
Mlaba was once again crucial in the Proteas restricting the dominant Australians to just 134 for five in their semifinal on Thursday. She picked up 1-31 as the Proteas chased down the score with 16 balls to spare.
Lefty has had a phenomenal tournament👏
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 17, 2024
She becomes the first Proteas Women's player to take 10 wickets in a #T20WorldCup 🔥#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/qVs0U3CvUB
Mlaba is one of the many success stories to come out of the KZNCU, Sunfoil and KZNDSAC Hub Development Programme after being introduced to cricket through this programme.
CEO of the KZN Cricket Union Heinrich Strydom describes Mlaba as one of the best examples of how important cricket development is to strengthening cricket in the country.
"Nonku might never have taken up the game and we wouldn't be sitting here with one of the best bowlers in women's T20 cricket, we are immensely proud of her,” Strydom said.
"The KZNCU, Sunfoil and KZN DSAC Hub Development Programme has become a mainstay in unearthing the next generation of talent and they continue to help introduce children to our beautiful game.
"We hope that Nonku can help the Proteas to go one better than they did in Cape Town last year and win a first World Cup trophy for South Africa."
Dolphins ladies head coach Angelique Taai said Mlaba's results are not by luck.
"I am so proud to see all the hard work that she has put in paying off again," Taai said. "She has grown as a player and got to understand the importance to continually improve to keep competing at international level.
"A big plus for her is that she just keeps her bowling very simple and spends a lot of time on her stock ball."
The Proteas will face either New Zealand or the West Indies in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
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