In a thrilling turn of events, the Proteas Women finds themselves on the cusp of making further history as they head into the third and final One-Day International against Australia, at the North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 10 February, 2024.
The ODI series stands level at 1-1, and the multi-format tour points are distributed six to four in the host’s favour, setting the stage for a riveting conclusion to the ODI series on Saturday.
In the pre-match press conference, all-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx, shared her thoughts into the team’s mindset and their determination to secure the series after the memorable win.
“We were happy about that historic win in Australia. We were all happy and obviously having a team song and just having a few celebrations with each other, which was nice. Leading up to this last ODI, I think we are all excited.”
Proteas Women All-Rounder Eliz-Mari Marx
“Yes, 100%. It is definitely not done,” continued Marx. “There’s one game to play and I think it’s all to play for. If we as a team can stick to what we did the previous match, we can go and win the series.”
Discussing the Proteas Women’s strengths in the second ODI, Marx commended her fellow bowlers and their pivotal role in securing the memorable victory.
“I think our bowling unit stuck to their plans. We’ve been talking about it leading into the T20Is and other ODIs and this was probably the best performance that the bowlers delivered. I’m happy with that and hopefully we can make it 2-1,” the 21-year-old noted.
Marx spoke highly of her Marizanne Kapp’s impact within the national side and conveyed her wishes to follow in the all-rounder’s footsteps.
“A world-class player and someone that I take a lot of learnings from. With the bat, she always delivers, you can basically press her button and she’ll deliver. And with the ball, she showed she was a bit tired, but she’s a world-class player.”
“We have similar roles. I would like to one day, whenever that might be, when she’s done, to sort of fill those big shoes that she’s standing in and hopefully deliver as much as I can for the country,” Marx added.
In addition to seeking their first-ever series win against Australia, the Proteas Women enter the final ODI with the aim of extending their unbeaten record in 50-over series for the 2023/24 season, having won their last three outings against Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.
Another objective for the team is to take a crucial step towards qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 through the ICC Women’s Championship (2022-25), with South Africa currently sharing the top spot on points with Australia (20).
Looking ahead to the pivotal match at the North Sydney Oval in New South Wales, Marx provided insight into the playing conditions.
“Well, there’s a bit of grass in the pitch to assist the seam bowlers a bit more. If you stick to your line and length, there’s always something in it for you,” she concluded
The ODI series finale will be aired live on SuperSport Grandstand (Channel 201) at 14h40 local time (05h40 SAST).
Women’s CommBank T20I Series v South Africa
Warm Up
24 Jan: Governor-General’s XI beat SA XI by 4 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)
Australia Won the T20I Series 2-1
27 Jan: Australia win first T20I 8 wickets (5 balls rem.) (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
28 Jan: South Africa win 2nd T20I by 6 wickets (6 balls rem.) (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
30 Jan: Australia win first T20I by5 wickets (4 balls rem.) (Blundstone Arena, Hobart)
ODI Series
3 Feb: Australia win first ODI by 8 wickets (186 balls rem.) (Adelaide Oval)
7 Feb: South Africa second ODI by 84 runs (DLS method) (North Sydney Oval)
10 Feb: Third ODI: North Sydney Oval, 2.40pm
Only Test
15-18 Feb: WACA Ground, Perth 11.00am
Proteas Women Squad (T20I & ODI) – Multi-format Tour to Australia
Laura Wolvaardt (c)
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Mieke de Ridder
Ayanda Hlubi
Sinalo Jafta
Marizanne Kapp
Ayabonga Khaka
Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Eliz-Mari Marx
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Chloé Tryon
Delmi Tucker
Australia Squad for the T20I and ODI Series
Alyssa Healy (c)
Darcie Brown
Heather Graham
Ashleigh Gardner
Kim Garth
Grace Harris*
Jess Jonassen
Alana King**
Phoebe Litchfield
Tahlia McGrath
Beth Mooney
Ellyse Perry
Megan Schutt
Annabel Sutherland
Georgia Wareham
*T20s only | **ODIs only
Photo Caption: With the ODI series level at 1-all, the Proteas Women finds themselves on the cusp of making further history as they head into the One-Day International series finale against Australia, at the North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 10 February, 2024. Photo: Eliz-Mari Marx on Instagram
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
