Following a challenging first One-Day International (ODI) defeat, the Proteas Women are gearing up for a spirited comeback in the second of three 50-over encounters against Australia, aiming to level the series in Sydney on Wednesday. The hosts currently lead the multi-format tour six points to two.
Reflecting on the team’s mindset after the initial ODI loss, Proteas Women seam bowler Masabata Klaas shared, “Yes, after the game, we had a meeting, and then mostly we spoke about the positives that we took out of that game. Even though we lost, there were some positives that we took out of the game. Laura is a calm captain and we all reflected on what we can do better.”
“It was a hard pill to swallow, I don’t want to lie. But then we took the positives, and we’re going forward. We still have two more games to go, so it can turn out our way in the coming two games,” she commented.
With the Proteas determined the overturn the series in their favour, Klaas expressed her confidence ahead of the second match on Wednesday, “Definitely, I believe that we can. We have a strong team and match winners in our team, so I believe, yes, we can win.”
As one of only seven players who were part of the Proteas Women squad that last toured Australia in 2016, Klaas reminisced on her previous trip Down Under.
“Coming here in 2016 it was quite an experience. They’re a strong team, but we also have a strong team, with upcoming youngsters, so we are ready to compete with them.”
When asked about the South African bowling attack and the challenges of bowling to Australia’s formidable batting lineup, Klaas affirmed, “Our bowling attack has been quite good. It’s not only for this tour but we’ve been doing well for a couple of years. So I must say we have a strong bowling line-up in our team.”
“As a bowler, you always want to be the best that you can be. So bowling against a strong team like Australia is always tough. But if you know what you want to do and if you have plans against them, I think it’s always going to be – I won’t say that easy – but it gets better as time goes by,” she added.
Klaas reflected on the team taking some down time visiting museums and experiencing the beauty of Sydney summer on their day off on Monday. “It was nice to be out and to relax and to just enjoy the sights and sounds.”
She radiated confidence about the team’s outlook, when asked about the remainder of the ODI series.
“I’m very much confident with the team that we have,” she concluded.
The second ODI will take place at the North Sydney Oval from 14h40 local time (05h40 SAST), with the match showcased live on SuperSport Action (Channel 210).
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: North Sydney Oval, 2.40pm
10 Feb: 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: Following their challenging opening ODI match defeat, the Proteas Women are gearing up for a spirited comeback in the second of three 50-over encounters against Australia, aiming to level the series in Sydney on Wednesday, at the North Sydney Oval, South Australia in Australia, on Wednesday, 8 February, 2024. Photo: North Sydney Oval on Facebook
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