History maker Landsman ready for the next step in her career
She has moved to the Central Gauteng Lions.
Thankfully, at the age of 18, Madison Landsman still has time on her side.
She still has time to perfect her game so that when the call to the Momentum Proteas comes, she hits the ground running and hopefully produces another historical moment that will add another star to her name.
For now, though, the University of Johannesburg fresher has to factor in the prospect of being stopped for a hug, photo or autograph by those who witnessed her extraordinary hat-trick against Scotland at the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January.
Landsman became the first player to take a hat-trick at the event. It was a moment that tilted the scales in South Africa’s favour and saw the Scots “melt under the Benoni sun”, as the commentator said.
“Incredible,” the Benoni High alumni said. “It didn’t feel real. It felt like a bit of a dream. It’s something I will always be grateful for.”
The leg spinner was brought onto the attack with Scotland wobbling on 45/3 in the 10th over and her slower deliveries resulted in the Scotland batters following each other back to the shed in quick succession.
She dismissed Maryam Faisal, Niamh Muir and when she bowled Orla Montgomery for the hat-trick, she shouted “Oh my God” in disbelief as her teammates hurdled around her and lifted her to the sky, while the crowd at Willowmoore Park stood up and clapped in excitement.
Also Read: Landsman grabs hat-trick as South Africa claims first victory
“The first wicket came, it was awesome. The second one was a bit of fumble from our fielder. For the hat-trick ball, we thought nothing of it but we knew there was a chance. When it happened, everyone went crazy,” she said.
The all-rounder said she will be always be grateful for the opportunity, saying it’s a moment she will cherish forever and grateful the time she spent in the nets paid off.
She was also nominated for the tournament’s most-valuable-player (MVP) for her impact with both bat and ball.
“It’s a once in a lifetime thing. So many emotions and hard work went into that. It reminded me what a beautiful game we play.
“It also taught me to enjoy the moment because it’s never going to happen again.”
Landsman recently signed with the Central Gauteng Lions, leaving Eastern Cricket Union which she was a part of from the age of 15.
Although her dream is to play senior international cricket, the Rynfield resident is keeping her head down, will continue to work hard to improve her game while waiting for that call-up to the senior national team.
“As long as you love and have passion for cricket and know your goals, no one will stop you. Put your heart in everything you do, you will go far,” she advised youngsters who want to pursue cricket as a career.
Also Read: Disappointment for SA in world cup opener at Willowmoore Park
