Music Inspires South Africa’s Women’s Cricket Team at T20 World Cup
The music of the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup has become an integral part of the tournament, inspiring players and fostering team spirit. For South Africa, a diverse playlist has helped create a cohesive unit that is aiming to break their semi-final curse.
Chloe Tryon, a veteran of 100 T20Is, has witnessed the transformative power of music within the team. “We have a team playlist that we put together and we ask girls to add their music in,” she said. “It’s so nice to have a diverse team and I feel like we get along really well.”
The South African squad has been praised for their team spirit, which has been evident in their performances on the field. They have overcome an opening defeat to West Indies with two big wins, thanks in part to the uplifting beats of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.”
Music has also played a role in the Pakistan camp, where Punjabi tunes have even gotten the injured Diana Baig dancing. Meanwhile, the South African team has found a unique blend of Afrikaans music and Amapiano to keep their spirits high.
Tryon, who has yet to fire with the bat, is confident that her time will come. She has been working on her technique with spin-bowling coach Paul Adams, who has helped her improve her hip drive and ball angle.
“As a spinner, you kind of have to get your hips over the front foot,” Tryon explained. “Paul spoke about that hip drive, going over the front leg and getting a really good motion into the ball.”
South Africa’s bowling attack has been a strength, with Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba forming a formidable spin duo. They have also benefited from the versatility of Sune Luus, who has switched to offspin to fill a gap in the team.
Despite their impressive performances, South Africa is still seeking their first T20 World Cup title. Tryon believes that this group has the potential to go all the way. “Whenever we walk out there, we want to do our best, for South Africa and for our family and our friends,” she said. “We just want to go out there and make them proud and bring the nation together.”
