Nonkululeko Mlaba Shines For Proteas Women At The T20 World Cup. Nonkululeko Mlaba has quickly become a key figure in South African women’s cricket, making waves with her performances at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Known for her eye-catching style on and off the field, Mlaba is not just a bowler but a vibrant personality who brings energy to every match she plays. Her journey from being a rising star to a dependable senior player in the Proteas Women’s squad has been remarkable. At the heart of her success is her collaboration with Paul Adams, the former Proteas wrist-spinner, whose mentorship has reignited Mlaba’s form and made her one of the standout performers of the tournament.
A Unique Personality with a Bold Presence
Nonkululeko Mlaba stands out not only for her cricketing prowess but also for her personality. With her peroxide blonde brush cut and stylish outfits frequently seen on her social media, Mlaba brings a distinctive flair to the game. Her wicket-taking celebrations are equally unique, a reflection of her confidence and exuberance.
It’s no surprise then that Mlaba found an ideal mentor in Paul Adams, a man who himself was known for his unorthodox approach during his playing days. Adams, often referred to as “a frog in a blender” due to his quirky bowling action, was the perfect coach to guide Mlaba. His calm demeanor, combined with a shared understanding of standing out from the crowd, helped create a strong rapport between the two.
Paul Adams Impact on Mlaba Game
Paul Adams has played a pivotal role in shaping Mlaba’s success at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. As Cricket South Africa’s spin consultant, Adams was instrumental in refining Mlaba’s bowling skills, helping her return to form after a difficult period. Under his guidance, Mlaba rediscovered her rhythm, and the results were evident.
“Paul made things a lot easier for me,” Mlaba said. “He’s very calm, and we get along well. As much as we talk cricket, we also don’t talk cricket, which helps me relax. He helped me fix a lot of things I wasn’t even aware of. We have a long journey ahead.”
Before this partnership, Mlaba had struggled with her form, particularly after the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup final at Newlands. Her bowling, which had once placed her as the No. 2 T20 bowler in the world, had seen a dip, with only 10 wickets in 19 matches and an average of 38.40. The Proteas knew that Mlaba had the talent but needed a helping hand to regain her confidence and rhythm. That’s where Adams came in, and their collaboration proved to be a turning point.
A Record-Breaking Tournament for Mlaba
At the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Mlaba was at her best, taking 12 wickets, the most by any South African in the tournament and the second-highest overall, behind New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, who claimed 15 wickets. Mlaba’s resurgence was a key factor in the Proteas Women’s journey to the final. Although South Africa fell short against New Zealand, losing by 32 runs, Mlaba’s efforts were undeniable, earning her a spot in the ICC T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament.
“For me, it was a great tournament. I feel like I am getting better with each and every tournament, and taking 12 wickets at the World Cup was a huge achievement,” Mlaba reflected. “But it’s not just about me—it’s about the team. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have taken those wickets. We’re in it together.”
The Path to Redemption
Mlaba’s performance during the 2024 World Cup was a redemption story. After struggling post-Newlands, her return to form in the UAE showed her resilience and determination. She was no longer the rookie who first appeared on the scene during the 2019 T20 World Cup in Australia. Now, she was a senior player expected to deliver in high-pressure situations, particularly on the spin-friendly pitches of the UAE.
Under Adams’ guidance, Mlaba worked on various aspects of her game, from her bowling action to her mental approach. The result was a more confident and focused bowler who thrived in challenging conditions.
A Bright Future Ahead
Although the Proteas Women didn’t lift the trophy, Mlaba’s contributions did not go unnoticed. At just 24, she has already established herself as one of the world’s top bowlers, and her future looks incredibly bright. She was joined by teammates Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits in the ICC T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament, highlighting South Africa’s depth of talent in women’s cricket.
After a long and challenging tour between Pakistan and the UAE, Mlaba is looking forward to some time at home in KwaZulu-Natal before the Proteas face England in an all-format series starting in late November. Despite her success, she remains humble and focused on her primary goal—representing her country and making South Africa proud.
Mlaba also harbors dreams of playing in international leagues like the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia, where some of her teammates, including Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon, are already participating.
“I think it’s everyone’s dream to play in different leagues. But I always say everything has its time, and maybe now is not my time,” Mlaba said. “I will keep working hard, and if the opportunity comes, it will be a bonus. But for now, the most important thing is playing for my country.”
The Role of Spin in South African Cricket
The rise of spinners like Nonkululeko Mlaba marks an exciting phase for South African cricket. Traditionally known for producing fast bowlers, South Africa’s spin attack has often played a secondary role. However, with the advent of players like Mlaba, the importance of spin in South Africa’s cricketing strategy has been emphasized.
Paul Adams’ influence as a spin consultant has helped shift this focus, and Mlaba’s success at the T20 World Cup is evidence that spin can be a match-winning asset for the Proteas. On the slow, turning wickets of the UAE, Mlaba’s left-arm spin became a crucial weapon, particularly in South Africa’s middle overs, where she consistently broke partnerships and kept the run rate under control.
Statistics: Nonkululeko Mlaba Performance at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
| Match | Overs Bowled | Runs Conceded | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa vs Sri Lanka | 4 | 22 | 2 | 5.50 |
| South Africa vs Bangladesh | 4 | 16 | 3 | 4.00 |
| South Africa vs Australia | 4 | 28 | 1 | 7.00 |
| South Africa vs India | 4 | 26 | 2 | 6.50 |
| Semi-Final vs England | 4 | 32 | 2 | 8.00 |
| Final vs New Zealand | 4 | 35 | 2 | 8.75 |
The Road Ahead for Proteas Women
After a commendable performance in the T20 World Cup, the Proteas Women’s team is looking ahead to future challenges. The all-format series against England in South Africa will be an opportunity for the team to build on their momentum and test their skills in longer formats of the game.
For Mlaba, the focus remains on improving her game and contributing to the team’s success. Her bond with Paul Adams has been a major factor in her resurgence, and their collaboration will continue to play a key role in her development.
Conclusion
Nonkululeko Mlaba has emerged as a central figure in Proteas Women’s cricket, thanks to her impressive performances at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her unique personality, combined with her growing skill as a left-arm spinner, makes her a player to watch in the coming years. Under the mentorship of Paul Adams, Mlaba has regained her form, becoming a key player in South Africa’s spin attack.
