INAUGURAL CSA PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE CONCLUDES WITH RESOUNDING SUCCESS

23 April 2024

JOHANNESBURG: The inaugural season of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Professional Domestic Women’s League has drawn to a thrilling close, marking a historic moment for women’s cricket in the country.

The professionalisation of the Women’s League came on the heels of the immense success of the Proteas Women’s team in recent ICC World Cups, highlighting the growing momentum and interest in women’s cricket.

Recognising the need to further support and nurture talent at the domestic level, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) invested R15 million over three years, laying the foundation for the professionalisation of the league and signalling a new era for women’s cricket in SA.

In the first season of the professional league, the structure remains the same for the first two years, with a recurring annual automatic promotion and relegation system set to commence from the conclusion of the 2024/25 season onwards. This strategic approach aims to ensure fairness and competitiveness while providing opportunities for teams to progress and showcase their talents on a larger stage.

As the professional season concludes its maiden journey, it’s also time to reflect on some remarkable statistics from the season.

Division 1 comprises of six esteemed teams, namely; Hollywoodbets Dolphins, DP World Lions, Fidelity Titans, Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers, World Sports Betting Western Province, and Recon Tactical Free Strate.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins emerged victorious in the CSA Women’s 1-Day Cup, securing the championship title under the guidance of former Proteas Women’s cricketer Angelique Taai, who led her team with exemplary coaching skills and strategic acumen.

In the CSA Women’s T20 Challenge, World Sports Betting Western Province clinched the championship title, with former Proteas Women’s cricketer Claire Terblanche steering her team to success with her astute leadership and coaching prowess.

In individual performance highlights from the CSA Women’s 1-Day Cup, Tazmin Brits emerged as the top run-scorer with a remarkable tally of 464 runs in seven matches, showcasing her batting prowess and consistency on the field.

CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, commented;

“The CSA Women’s League has not only elevated the standard of women’s cricket but has also paved the way for the continued growth and development of the sport in SA.

“This structure has fostered intense competition and provided valuable opportunities for players to develop their game. With a clear pathway for teams to progress between divisions, the league is poised to become a breeding ground for future cricket stars and a source of inspiration for aspiring players across the nation.

“With plans already underway for the next season, CSA remains committed to building on the momentum generated by the first season and further elevating the status of women’s cricket. As we bid farewell to the inaugural season, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the Professional Domestic Women’s League in the years to come,” Nkwe concluded.

Tazmin Brits (vs Dolphins)