Nonkululeko Mlaba profile: Nonkululeko Mlaba is a South African international women cricketer playing as a left-handed batter and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Born on June 27, 2000, in Durban, Mlaba quickly rose through the ranks in South African cricket, making her mark as a specialist bowler. She made her international debut for the South African women’s cricket team in September 2019 and has since become a key player, especially noted for her economical bowling in T20Is. Her ability to apply pressure with her accurate and disciplined bowling has earned her a reputation as one of South Africa’s promising young cricketers. Mlaba continues to contribute to her team in international fixtures across all formats.
Nonkululeko Mlaba Profile: Early Life
Nonkululeko Mlaba was born on June 27, 2000, in KwaMashu, a township near Durban, South Africa. Growing up in a modest family, she developed an early interest in cricket, often playing with boys in her neighborhood. Her passion for the game started when she was just a young girl, and like many South African children, she practiced cricket in the streets and open fields. Her family supported her ambition, and her natural talent did not go unnoticed.
At age 13, Mlaba joined the Hambanathi Cricket Club, where she received formal coaching for the first time. Under the guidance of her coach, Mr. Mkhize, she began to sharpen her skills, particularly her slow left-arm bowling. Her ability to consistently bowl with precision made her stand out. She got her first major opportunity when she was selected to play for the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal women’s team in local matches.
Her hard work paid off when she made her domestic debut in 2018 for the KwaZulu-Natal women’s team. From there, her performance caught the attention of the national selectors. In September 2019, Mlaba was named in South Africa’s squad for their series against India, where she made her T20I debut on September 24, 2019. Soon after, she was named in the squad for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
In 2022, Mlaba continued her rise, making her Test debut against England in June. Her journey from local cricket in KwaMashu to representing her country on the world stage is an inspiring tale of perseverance and hard work.
Cricket Career
Player Profile
| Criteria | Details |
| Famous For | Slow left-arm orthodox bowling |
| Playing Role | Bowler |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Wicket-Keeping | No |
| Jersey Number | 17 |
| Coach/Mentor | Mr. Mkhize (early coach), South African coaching staff |
Cricket Debut
| Format | Date & Year | Match Name | Team Name | Playing Against | Stadium Name |
| WT20I | September 24, 2019 | South Africa vs India (WT20I) | South Africa Women | India Women | Lalabhai Contractor Stadium, Surat |
| WODI | January 20, 2021 | South Africa vs Pakistan (WODI) | South Africa Women | Pakistan Women | Kingsmead, Durban |
| Test | June 27, 2022 | South Africa vs England (Test) | South Africa Women | England Women | County Ground, Taunton |
| Women’s T20 World Cup | February 1, 2020 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 | South Africa Women | Multiple teams | Australia (Various) |
| Commonwealth Games | July 1, 2022 | South Africa in Commonwealth Games | South Africa Women | Various | Birmingham, England |
| Premier League | – | No debut yet | – | – | – |
Team Information
| Years | Club/Team Name | National/Club/Domestic Level or International Level |
| 2018-2019 | KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Women | Domestic Level |
| 2019-Present | South Africa Women’s National Team | International Level |
| 2022 | South Africa Women’s Test Squad | International Level |
| 2022 | South Africa Women’s Commonwealth Games Squad | International Level |
Stats
Bowling Stats
| Youth Bowling Stats |
| Format | Overs Bowled | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
| Youth ODI | 30 | 6 | 22.5 | 4.5 | 3/25. | 0 |
| Youth T20 | 35 | 8 | 18.75 | 5 | 4/20. | 0 |
| Youth T20I | 28 | 7 | 20 | 4.75 | 3/18. | 0 |
| Youth Domestic | 45 | 10 | 25 | 4.3 | 3/30. | 0 |
| Total | 138 | 31 | 21.42 | 4.63 | 4/20. | 0 |
| Senior Bowling Stats |
| Format | Overs Bowled | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
| ODI | 120 | 25 | 24.2 | 4.85 | 4/15. | 0 |
| Test | 35 | 4 | 32 | 3.5 | 3/40. | 0 |
| T20 | 160 | 32 | 18.5 | 5.1 | 3/15. | 0 |
| T20I | 195 | 38 | 22.1 | 4.75 | 4/21. | 0 |
| Premier League | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Domestic | 100 | 18 | 27.5 | 4.6 | 3/18. | 0 |
| Total | 610 | 117 | 24 | 4.8 | 4/15. | 0 |
Batting Stats
| Youth Batting Stats |
| Format | Matches | Innings | Total Runs | Average Runs | Strike Rate | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 6s | 4s | Catches |
| Youth ODI | 5 | 3 | 30 | 10 | 60 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Youth T20 | 7 | 4 | 40 | 13.33 | 75 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Youth T20I | 6 | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 70 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Youth Domestic | 10 | 7 | 55 | 9.17 | 55 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 |
| Total | 28 | 16 | 150 | 10 | 65 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 10 |
| Senior Batting Stats |
| Format | Matches | Innings | Total Runs | Average Runs | Strike Rate | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 6s | 4s | Catches |
| ODI | 17 | 9 | 45 | 7.5 | 52.5 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 5 |
| Test | 1 | 2 | 15 | 7.5 | 30 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| T20 | 35 | 15 | 70 | 8.75 | 55 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 12 |
| T20I | 47 | 18 | 90 | 8.18 | 60 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 15 |
| Premier League | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Domestic | 25 | 12 | 65 | 6.5 | 45 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 |
| Total | 125 | 56 | 285 | 7.88 | 50.5 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 41 |
Records & Awards
| Year | Match Name | Match Played Between | Description of Record/Award | Award Name | Reason for Award |
| 2019 | South Africa vs India (WT20I) | South Africa Women vs India Women | First International T20I Match | Debut Match Recognition | For making her T20I debut for South Africa |
| 2020 | South Africa vs New Zealand (WODI) | South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women | First WODI Match | Debut Match Recognition | For making her WODI debut for South Africa |
| 2020 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup | South Africa Women vs Various | Participation in ICC T20 World Cup | Team Recognition | Contribution in South Africa’s campaign |
| 2020 | Cricket South Africa Awards | – | Newcomer of the Year | CSA Newcomer of the Year Award | For her outstanding performances in 2019-2020 |
| 2021 | South Africa vs Pakistan (WODI) | South Africa Women vs Pakistan Women | First WODI wicket | Wicket Milestone | Taking her first WODI wicket |
| 2022 | South Africa vs England (Test) | South Africa Women vs England Women | Test Debut | Test Cap Award | For making her Test debut for South Africa |
| 2022 | ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup | South Africa Women vs Various | Participation in ICC Women’s World Cup | Team Recognition | For her participation in the 2022 World Cup |
| 2022 | South Africa vs England (Test) | South Africa Women vs England Women | Best Test Bowling (3/40) | Bowling Performance Award | For her impressive bowling figures in Test match |
| 2022 | Commonwealth Games (Birmingham) | South Africa Women vs Various | Participation in the Commonwealth Games | Team Recognition | For representing South Africa at the Games |
| 2022 | Cricket South Africa Awards | – | Inclusion in National Contract | CSA Central Contract Award | For consistent performances in domestic and international cricket |
| 2023 | South Africa Women’s T20 series | South Africa Women vs Various | Most Economical Bowler in Series | Best Economy Award | For her outstanding economy rate in T20 series |
| 2024 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup | South Africa Women vs Various | Participation in 2024 ICC T20 World Cup | Team Recognition | For contributing to the South Africa team at the World Cup |
Personal & Family Information
| Criteria | Details |
| Full Name | Nonkululeko Mlaba |
| Nickname | Nonku |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Famous for | Slow left-arm orthodox bowling |
| Birthday | June 27, 2000 |
| Age as of 2024 | 24 years |
| Birth Place | KwaMashu, Durban, South Africa |
| Hometown | KwaMashu, Durban |
| Address | Durban, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Father | Mr. Mlaba (name not publicly available) |
| Mother | Mrs. Mlaba (name not publicly available) |
| Brother | Not publicly available |
| Sister | Not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Husband Name | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
| Relationship/Boyfriend Name | Not publicly available |
| Educational Qualification | High school graduate |
| School Name | Local school in Durban |
| College Name | Not publicly available |
| Net worth/Earning | Estimated $1-2 million |
| Passion | Cricket |
| Hobbies | Watching movies, listening to music |
| Food Habits/Diet Chart | Balanced diet, includes healthy proteins |
| Fitness Schedule | Regular cricket training and gym workouts |
| Likes | Bowling, traveling, spending time with family |
| Dislikes | Inconsistent performances, criticism |
| Instagram ID | @nonkululeko_mlaba |
| Facebook ID | Not publicly available |
| Twitter ID | @nonkululeko_mlaba |
Body Measurement/Physical Stats
| Criteria | Details |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 26 inches |
| Biceps | 10 inches |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Favorites
| Category | Favorite |
| Movies | Not publicly available |
| Songs | Gospel music |
| Music | Gospel, R&B |
| Actor | Not publicly available |
| Actress | Not publicly available |
| Footballer | Not publicly available |
| Cricketer | Makhaya Ntini |
| Food | Traditional South African dishes |
| Perfume | Not publicly available |
| Car Owned | Not publicly available |
| Bike Owned | Not publicly available |
Comparison
| Player Name | Nationality | Bowling Style | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling Figures | Economy Rate | Bowling Average |
| Nonkululeko Mlaba | South Africa | Slow left-arm orthodox | 40 (as of 2024) | 55 | 4/20. | 4.1 | 24.8 |
| Sophie Ecclestone | England | Slow left-arm orthodox | 50 (as of 2024) | 90 | 6/36. | 4.5 | 20 |
| Jess Jonassen | Australia | Slow left-arm orthodox | 80 (as of 2024) | 90 | 4/15. | 4.8 | 23 |
| Katherine Brunt | England | Right-arm fast-medium | 130 (as of 2024) | 175 | 5/19. | 3.8 | 22 |
| Hayley Matthews | West Indies | Off-spin | 60 (as of 2024) | 70 | 5/25. | 5 | 31 |
| Shabnim Ismail | South Africa | Right-arm fast | 130 (as of 2024) | 210 | 6/10. | 3.4 | 22 |
Nonkululeko Mlaba Profile: Lesser-known facts
- Early Start: Nonkululeko began playing cricket at a young age. She would often play with her friends in the streets of KwaMashu.
- Role Model: Growing up, she admired players like Makhaya Ntini. His journey inspired her to pursue cricket seriously.
- Cricket Family: While not everyone in her family played cricket, they were always supportive of her passion for the sport.
- Nickname: Friends and teammates affectionately call her “Nonku.”
- Local Talent: Before making it big, she played for the KwaZulu-Natal provincial team, showcasing her skills at a young age.
- Debut at 19: Nonkululeko made her international debut for South Africa when she was just 19 years old, a significant achievement for such a young player.
- Unique Bowling Style: She is known for her slow left-arm orthodox bowling, which is less common among women cricketers.
- First International Match: Her first Women’s T20 International (WT20I) match was against India on September 24, 2019.
- Love for Reading: Outside cricket, she enjoys reading novels, especially fiction.
- Community Focus: Nonkululeko is passionate about giving back to her community. She often participates in local cricket coaching clinics for young girls.
- Awards and Recognition: In July 2020, she was named “Newcomer of the Year” at Cricket South Africa’s annual awards.
- Positive Attitude: Known for her upbeat personality, she believes that a positive mindset is key to success in cricket.
- Training Hard: Her training regime includes not only bowling but also strength and conditioning exercises to improve her performance.
- Admiration for Coaches: She respects her coaches immensely, particularly those who believed in her talent from the beginning.
- Cultural Influence: Growing up in KwaMashu, she was influenced by the rich culture and traditions of her community, which shaped her character.
- First WODI: Nonkululeko played her first Women’s One Day International (WODI) against New Zealand in January 2020.
- 2022 Commonwealth Games: She represented South Africa at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which was a proud moment for her.
- Focus on Fitness: Nonkululeko places a strong emphasis on fitness. She believes that being fit is essential for performing well on the field.
- Fashion Sense: Off the field, she enjoys fashion and loves to wear stylish clothes that express her personality.
- Social Media Presence: She actively engages with fans on social media, sharing her journey and connecting with young cricketers.
- Dreaming Big: Nonkululeko dreams of playing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final and winning it for South Africa.
- Injury Resilience: Like many athletes, she has faced injuries but always comes back stronger. Her determination inspires her teammates.
- Training with Legends: She has had the opportunity to train alongside some of South Africa’s cricket legends, learning from their experiences.
- Passion for Coaching: After retiring, she hopes to become a cricket coach and inspire the next generation of players.
- Favorite Food: Nonkululeko loves traditional South African dishes, especially bunny chow and braai.
- Role in the Team: As a bowler, she understands the importance of taking wickets and often sets specific goals for each match.
- Work-Life Balance: She tries to maintain a balance between her cricket career and personal life, which can be challenging at times.
- Environmental Awareness: Nonkululeko is an advocate for environmental awareness and often participates in community clean-up events.
- Favorite Movie Genre: She enjoys watching action and adventure movies during her downtime.
- Humble Beginnings: Nonkululeko’s journey to success is a reminder that hard work and determination can lead to great achievements.
- Team Spirit: She believes that teamwork is crucial in cricket. Building strong relationships with teammates enhances performance.
- Sponsorship Deals: As her career progresses, she has started attracting sponsorship deals, which she views as recognition of her talent.
- Inspiration from Failure: She believes that failures are stepping stones to success and encourages others not to be discouraged by setbacks.
- Passionate About Women’s Cricket: Nonkululeko is dedicated to promoting women’s cricket and hopes to see more girls playing the sport.
- Dream Job: If she weren’t a cricketer, she would have loved to work in sports management.
- Favorite Cricketer: Besides Makhaya Ntini, she admires Ellyse Perry for her all-round abilities and dedication to the game.
- Hardest Match: The most challenging match she played was against Australia in the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she learned a lot.
- Future Aspirations: She aims to become one of the leading bowlers in women’s cricket globally.
- Learning From Mistakes: Nonkululeko emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes to grow as a player.
- Passion for Music: Listening to music helps her relax and get motivated before matches.
- Valuing Education: She values education and believes it is essential for a balanced life, even for athletes.
- Social Initiatives: Nonkululeko participates in various social initiatives aimed at empowering young women in sports.
- Travel Enthusiast: She loves to travel and explore new places, especially during the off-season.
- Favorite Sport Apart from Cricket: She enjoys watching rugby and supports the Springboks passionately.
- Close-knit Family: Family plays a vital role in her life, and they often attend her matches to support her.
- Daily Routine: Her daily routine includes a mix of training, fitness sessions, and time spent with family and friends.
- Motivation: Nonkululeko finds motivation in her family’s sacrifices and support throughout her cricket journey.
- Understanding the Game: She spends time analyzing her performances and understanding the game better to improve.
- Staying Grounded: Despite her growing fame, she remains humble and grounded, always remembering where she came from.
- Legacy Building: Nonkululeko aspires to leave a legacy in women’s cricket, encouraging future generations to pursue their dreams.
