South Africa’s men’s and women’s teams are preparing for a unique experience, with both sides set to begin a T20I series against New Zealand in Tauranga.
This tour marks the first time both South African national teams will contest full away series side-by-side against the same opposition.
Wolvaardt Focuses on World Cup Prep
For Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt, the five-match series carries added importance with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
Wolvaardt said the series gives them a chance to try a few things. She hopes they can win the series.
Wolvaardt is also embracing the rare experience of touring in tandem with the men’s side.
“You sort of feel like one big team over here, sharing knowledge and chatting to them. And just seeing how they go about things is cool for me as well. It doesn’t happen a lot that you sort of tour side by side but I think it’ll be very cool cricket-wise as well to watch their game after ours.”
Maharaj Highlights Growth of Women’s Game
Proteas Men’s stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj echoed that sentiment, highlighting the growth of the women’s game and the value of sharing the stage.
Maharaj said that women’s cricket has come along in leaps and bounds, and it’s wonderful for them to have the stage as well.
“They’ve played some amazing cricket and some very exciting cricket games that have gone down to the wire – It’s also exciting for us to be able to witness it live.”
Rivalry and Recent Encounters
Recent meetings between the two nations add further intrigue. The Proteas Women last faced the White Ferns in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 final, while the men’s sides met in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. On both occasions, the Kiwis came out on top.
Maharaj said that it’s always been a wonderful rivalry, with good cricket played on the field and respect between both sides.
Maharaj noted that New Zealand are a really strong side, but he hopes his squad can have a good, strong series and come out on top.
Youthful Energy and Development
While the tour provides exposure for several new faces in the men’s squad, Maharaj made it clear that development and results go hand-in-hand.
- The women’s team is using the series to prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
- Both the men’s and women’s teams will be touring side-by-side.
- Recent meetings between the two nations have seen New Zealand come out on top.
Maharaj stated that they also want to try and win with a really young side.