Cricket star Nonkululeko Mlaba continues to lead the way internationally. Picture: SUPPLIED
Nonkululeko Mlaba has bowled over many fans with her performance at the T20 World Cup in the UAE this month.
South Africa lost to New Zealand in the final on Sunday, October 20.
Mlaba, a Dolphins and Proteas left-arm spinner, became the first South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup.
The 24-year-old, who is affectionately known as “Leftie”, recorded an average of just 10.55 with career-best figures of 4/29 against the West Indies in their tournament opener.
Raised in Ntuzuma, neighbouring KwaMashu on the north of Durban, Mlaba 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 semi-final on Thursday. She picked up 1/31 as the Proteas chased down the score with 16 balls to spare.
She is one of the many success stories to come out of the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU), Sunfoil and the KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (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 the sport 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 KZNDSAC 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.”
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.”