"Australia are very annoying" - Luus jokes after defeat in the T20WC final

South Africa were outclassed by Australia in the grand finale of the 2023 T20 World Cup but Sune Luus and Co. still had a campaign to remember. They became the first South African team to feature in a World Cup final, and Luus said she is proud of what her team achieved in the marquee event.

South Africa lost to Sri Lanka and Australia in the group-stage but got the better of New Zealand and Bangladesh by massive margins to progress into the semi-finals. Then came England and the Proteas Women emerged victorious by just six runs to set up a date with Australia.

“We lost the game but we can still be proud of the way we played in the tournament. I don't think women's cricket is going backwards at the moment. Some exciting moments are waiting in the coming months,” said Luus after South Africa lost the final by 19 runs.

“I hope there is a lot of development on this front in the country. So many girls want to pick up a bat and ball, so the schools had to get girls cricket. They got to be starting club cricket as well with more girls knocking on the door.”

South Africa bowled with great control in the first innings and managed to keep Australia’s top-order quiet. However, Ashleigh Gardner walked in and slammed 29 off 21 before Beth Mooney found her touch and finished with 74* off 53. Chasing 157, Laura Wolvaardt (48-ball 61) was the only South African batter to put up some fight.

“Firstly, you guys (Australia) are very annoying (smiles). But, congratulations to Meg and her team. You have been inspirational in world cricket for a long time and a lot of the players look up to you guys and you showed your class again.

“If you told me before the game Australia were getting 156 I would have taken it. We lost wickets at crucial times, we knew they had a quality bowling line-up.”

Talking about the crowd support, Luus said: “It's been amazing. To play at our home ground, with so many people supporting is amazing. Thank you Newlands for all the support, we love you guys a lot.”

Wolvaardt was consistent throughout the competition and ended as the leading run-getter, scoring 230 runs in six innings at an average of 46 and a strike rate of 106.48.

“It's been such an incredible tournament to be part of. This is my home ground - I live just down the road. You could hear every single cheer. It's something I've never experienced - a crowd like this. I could do this every day. Very cool experience. I think it's been amazing as a group,” said the right-handed opener.