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Tuned into success — World Cup-bound SA cricket star Ayanda Hlubi is living her dream

Tuned into success — World Cup-bound SA cricket star Ayanda Hlubi is living her dream
Above: South Africa’s Ayanda Hlubi celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Georgia Wareham during the second game of the one-day international series against Australia in Sydney on 7 February. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Yanga Sibembe
By Yanga Sibembe
22 Sep 2024
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The Proteas bowler’s love for cricket was forged by the airwaves. Now she is surfing the wave of playing the game at international level.

One day while at home in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, a young Ayanda Hlubi happened to hear a game of cricket being broadcast on the radio. It piqued her interest. Listening to the Proteas Men matches on the airwaves would soon become one of her favourite pastimes.

“I used to watch cricket on TV, when it played on SABC 3. Or sometimes I’d listen to it when it was on the radio. At that time, it was the Proteas Men I had access to. But yes, the radio was always on at home – because that’s the way we live in the rural areas,” Hlubi told Daily Maverick.

“Sometimes I would accidentally [come across] a match on TV. Then I would sit and watch to put a visual aspect to this sport that I was regularly listening to on the radio. So, when I got to watch, I realised that this is actually an interesting sport,” the Dolphins player (20) reminisced.

“I saw [Kagiso] Rabada bowling once and I was happy with what I was seeing. I decided then and there that I also wanted to be a part of this sport. From then on, it became a ritual to watch or listen to the Proteas Men play,” she added.

However, at that time she never imagined that one day she would don the Proteas shirt and become one of the most exciting prospects in international cricket. But after making her debut for the Proteas Women in December 2023, this is exactly the situation she finds herself in.

Statement start


Hlubi’s international career started in the best way possible after she was handed her first international cap in the T20 series against Bangladesh.

For that series, the Proteas were without a number of their first-team regulars because of injury. They included premium fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka, as well as experienced all-rounders Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk. Superstar Marizanne Kapp was being rested.

These absences allowed for then Proteas coach Hilton Moreeng to introduce some new talent in the form of Durban-based Dolphins right-arm medium pacer Hlubi, as well as 2024 Cricket South Africa Newcomer of the Year award-winner Eliz-Mari Marx.

Marx was immediately thrown into the deep end as she started in the first of three T20 internationals between the South Africans and visiting Bangladesh.

Despite the Proteas losing the series opener, Marx walked away with her first international wicket.

Hlubi, on the other hand, had to wait until the third and final match of the series to make her international bow. This was after the second clash rained out. The wait – for both Hlubi and the international cricket audience – was worthwhile.

The youngster picked up two wickets in her first over, dismissing opener Murshida Khatun and her replacement, Sobhana Mostary, in two consecutive deliveries.

Hlubi’s exploits saw her finish the match with figures of two for 15 in her four overs, the best return of any bowler on the day. As a result, she was named player of the match after the Proteas levelled the series, and a new cricketing prospect was born.

Ayanda Hlubi South Africa’s Ayanda Hlubi celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Georgia Wareham during the second game of the one-day international series in Sydney on 7 February 2024. (Photo: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images)


Living the dream


After impressing in that contest, Hlubi was rewarded with her first one-day international appearance in February 2024 against the best side in the world – Australia. She took two wickets on debut to help South Africa claim their first win (across formats) over the Aussies.

Despite the Proteas eventually losing the series 2-1 down under, Hlubi once again showed her potential. She would add a prestigious Test cap to her rapid rise, as she also featured in the one-off long-format tussle between her country and the Australians.

Even though the Proteas were vanquished by an innings and 284 runs during the clash, Hlubi was still proud to be part of the rare experience. Since their inception the Proteas have only played 15 Test matches.

“I’m living my dream. I never thought I’d be where I am in such a short time, having played all three formats of the game in that period as well. But I’m extremely happy with how things are going,” Hlubi said.

“The Test match was an interesting experience. It was really tough being on the field the whole day, really challenging, but I managed,” she added.

“Cricket is something I can play even in my sleep. I really love it and I’m passionate about it. So, that’s how I was able to persevere, pull myself together and just play.”

From Lindelani to the World Cup


Hlubi started playing cricket in 2015 after moving with her mother from Bergville to the Durban township of Ntuzuma.

In Lindelani, the section of Ntuzuma they settled in, cricket is one of the popular pastimes. Her Proteas teammates Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nondumiso Shangase are also from Lindelani.

“We moved to Durban with my mother. Where we found ourselves staying, cricket happened to be quite popular. There was a girl who was my neighbour and she played it,” explained Hlubi.

“So, one day I approached her and told her how much I’ve always wanted to play cricket. She took me to where they trained and when I arrived there, I felt welcome. I decided on the spot that I’m never letting cricket go,” the 20-year-old added.

Now Hlubi is heading to the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

As she battled a groin injury that had her sidelined for a few months, being selected to represent her country at the global event seemed unlikely.

But since recovering, she is looking forward to improving her craft after being welcomed warmly into the national team setup. She believes the trust that has been shown in her and other youngsters in recent months can only benefit the Proteas.

“Women’s cricket has grown. We youngsters have better opportunities and we are taking them, doing really well and showing the hunger to represent our country. It shows that the pipeline is healthy and thriving,” Hlubi said.

She counts Rabada and Shabnim Ismail as her role models. With the start she’s had to her career, she’s well on her way towards emulating the pair of South African bowling greats. DM

This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.

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