Nonkululeko Mlaba Aims to Become World’s Best Bowler

Fresh from a night of glitz and glory at Emperors Palace, Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star of the Cricket South Africa Awards, not only for her brilliance on the field but also for her flair off it. Draped in a shimmering gold gown stitched by a school friend, Mlaba turned heads while juggling her silverware and doing a quick touch-up before going on camera.

“This dress nearly betrayed me,” she joked, referring to a minor wardrobe malfunction. “I was dancing, celebrating my friend’s win, and suddenly everything fell apart, but I made it work. Hope you’re not mad, girl! I still look pretty!”

A Night of Triumph

It was a fitting celebration for the 25-year-old left-arm spinner from KwaMashu, who has firmly cemented her place among the country’s cricket elite. Mlaba walked away with multiple honours, including the prestigious Women’s Cricketer of the Year, Women’s T20 International Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and the KFC Best Delivery award.

“It honestly means so much,” Mlaba said. “I’ve worked really hard because I want to be the best bowler in the world. This is only the beginning. I’m not stopping here.”

From KwaMashu to Record Books

Mlaba’s journey over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. She made history by becoming the first South African woman to take 10 wickets in a single Test match, achieving the feat against England in Bloemfontein. It was a significant milestone for someone who never fancied red-ball cricket.

“I don’t enjoy Test cricket, it’s too long!” she admitted with a laugh. “I watched the guys play and thought, ‘this is boring.’ But playing in that match against England made me see it differently. Maybe, with time, I’ll grow to love it more.”

Eyes Set on Global T20 Leagues

While her Test milestone is impressive, Mlaba’s heart is set on dominating the white-ball arena. Her outstanding performance at the 2023 T20 World Cup, where she broke the record for the most wickets by a South African bowler, caught international attention. She now hopes to break into the lucrative global franchise leagues, starting with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

“The CPL has asked for me twice now,” she said. “The first time, we had a Pakistan tour, and this year again, it clashes with the same tour. But I believe my chance will come. One opportunity is all I need, and from there, maybe the IPL or the Hundred could follow.”

The Fire Burns Brighter

At just 25, Mlaba has already scaled significant heights in her career, but her ambition burns fiercer than ever. Her desire to become the world’s top bowler is more than just a personal goal, it’s a mission that could inspire a generation of young cricketers across the country.

“I’ve set high standards for myself. Just watch this space,” she said with a smile. “This is not the end, there’s still so much more to come from me.”

Mlaba is not just rewriting the playbook on spin bowling in the women’s game, she’s doing it in style, with grit, grace, and a golden glow that’s impossible to ignore.

Related article: CSA Awards 2024/25: Maharaj Dominates as Mlaba Steals the Show