Women’s World Cup 2022: South Africa SWOT Analysis

South Africa will have a point to prove in the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2022 in New Zealand. The Proteas side has done well in recent ICC competitions but clearing the knock-out games has been a big concern for them. Nonetheless, they have a strong team for the gala competition and many are even backing them to lift the elusive title. Notably, South Africa reached the semi-finals in the 2017 edition of the competition but lost to eventual champions England in the crucial clash.

South Africa’s squad for Women’s World Cup 2022

Sune Luus (captain), Lizelle Lee, Shabnim Ismail, Chloe Tryon (vice-captain), Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Mignon du Preez, Trisha Chetty, Laura Wolvaardt, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune

Reserve Players: Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Raisibe Ntozakhe

Here’s the SWOT analysis of South Africa’s squad:

Strength: As far as white-ball cricket is concerned, the Proteas team has been on a roll lately and will step into the competition with great confidence. Having won 13 of their last 17 ODIs, South Africa have a win percentage of 76 in the format since the start of 2021. Moreover, they won an ODI series in New Zealand in 2020. Hence, adjusting to the conditions won’t be a massive challenge for them.

Weakness:  Although South Africa have most of their bases covered, they will miss the services of their regular skipper Dane van Niekerk, who is out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. One of the finest all-rounders going around, Van Niekerk has been instrumental to South Africa’s success. Sune Luus will lead the team in her absence and she has big boots to fill.

Opportunities: Now, the start of the campaign is very important in a crucial competition like the World Cup. South Africa will be up against Bangladesh and Pakistan, two of the lower-ranked teams, in their first couple of assignments and would be confident of registering emphatic wins. As mentioned above, South Africa don’t cut loose once they gain momentum. Hence, other teams must beware of them.

Threats: As mentioned above, South Africa were phenomenal in recent ICC competitions. However, shining in knock-out games has been a massive issue for them. With regular skipper Dane van Niekerk being unavailable, it will be interesting to see how Sune Luus will marshal her troop in the crucial matches.