After featuring in nearly 300 international matches as a dependable presence in South Africa’s middle order, Sune Luus is stepping into a new role at the top of the batting lineup as the team prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.
The experienced all-rounder has been promoted to open alongside captain Laura Wolvaardt, a move that is already yielding positive results. In the second T20I of their ongoing home series against India, the pair combined for a commanding 106-run opening partnership. Luus contributed a well-crafted 57 in the eight-wicket win in Durban, highlighting her growing comfort in the role.
“I’m still new to the opening scene, but it’s a lot of fun,” Luus said. “I think with Laura, as my partner there, I think she brings a wealth of experience as well. So, I think just to be batting with her in the middle, facing an opposition like India doesn’t get any better than that.”
New Role, Familiar Consistency
The decision to elevate Luus to the top order came late last year, with the aim of strengthening South Africa’s starts by combining stability with attacking intent. Since then, she has delivered consistent contributions, reaching double figures in every outing since the shift.
However, despite her steady performances and two half-centuries in the past six months, Luus remains eager to convert her starts into bigger innings that can decisively influence matches.
“I think I’ve been hitting the ball well all season,” Luus continued. “I think it’s been frustrating not to get those big scores for me. But it’s been awesome just to contribute in every single game that I’ve been a part of and just to keep hitting the ball as well as I can. It’s only a matter of time when knocks like these are going to come out.”
Focus on World Cup Preparation
With the Women’s T20 World Cup set to begin on June 12, South Africa are fine-tuning their combinations in pursuit of a maiden ICC title. While their immediate attention is on the third T20I against India in Johannesburg, where victory would seal the series, Luus is keeping the broader objective in focus.
“It’s a big game on Wednesday to secure the series for us and we’ll be looking at that,” she added. “But at the end of the day, it’s another game to prepare for the (T20) World Cup and we’re taking it like that.”
As South Africa continue their build-up, Luus’ transition to the top order could prove pivotal. If her current form translates into substantial scores, the breakthrough innings she anticipates may arrive at just the right moment on cricket’s biggest stage.
