The Momentum Proteas will be looking to start their first Black Day ODI on a confident note when they don their black kit for the second One-Day International against Pakistan Women, at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Saturday, 23 January.
In what was supposed to be a sea of black at Kingsmead as part of the inaugural Black Day, an initiative partnering with Momentum, KZN Cricket Union and the POWA to raise awareness in the fight against gender-based violence.
The Black Day ODI in its infancy stage has created a level of excitement similar ‘start up’ events can only dream of and this has been a triumph for the Proteas Women side.
Momentum Proteas opener, Laura Wolvaardt is relishing the prospect of playing in the very first Black Day ODI and is hoping the enthusiasm around the special day will go a long in motivating the team to produce a respectable performance.
“We can’t wait to play in our black kit,” Wolvaardt said.
“The Black Day ODI has brought another level of excitement within the squad because it is towards a great cause and something that we as the Momentum Proteas players are proud to be associated with.” – Momentum Proteas opener, Laura Wolvaardt
“We are honoured to be creating an event to bring and draw attention to the injustices around GBV and hopefully the excitement around this event will make us raise our performance and produce a much better display than the one on Wednesday.”
Despite a narrow 3-run win over Pakistan on Wednesday, Wolvaardt who was one of the standout performers with a resolute 40 on the day believes the Momentum Proteas will be keen to improve on certain areas of their game which let them down on Wednesday.
“It was obviously good to get the win,” the opener said.
“I thought it was a complete bowling display towards the end by our bowlers, who made sure that they restrict Pakistan to that score which was set up by a not-so-great batting performance.” – Wolvaardt highlights the first One-Day International match against Pakistan Women on Wednesday, 20 January 2021.
“We are very much cognizant that we are nowhere near perfect, the games coming ahead will go a long way in ensuring that we get back to our very best.
“Hopefully, the festivities around the Black Day ODI will be added motivation for us to produce a display that we as team can be proud of,” Wolvaardt added.
The Momentum Proteas will welcome back Ayabonga Khaka – who missed the first game through illness – and will more than likely play a similar unit as the side continues to fiddle with combinations and strategies in search of a winning formula, as they gradually make a return to international cricket.
Cricket fans are encouraged to rally behind the Black Day ODI by donning black colors in the comfort of their homes, and to use #EndGBV on their social media platforms to spread awareness around gender-based violence.
Photo 1 Caption: Momentum Proteas opener Laura Wolvaardt (left), pictured alongside teammates Nonkulukeko Mlaba (centre) and Tumi Sekhukhune (right), is looking to start their first Black Day ODI on a confident note, when they don their black kit for the second ODI against Pakistan, at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Saturday, 23 January 2021. Photo: CSA
With editing by gsport
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