• Proteas Women focused on Pakistan

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    Seamer Masabata Klaas says the Proteas Women are not looking too far ahead despite securing their place in the Women’s ODI World Cup semi-finals.

    South Africa are preparing for their penultimate league-stage match against Pakistan in Colombo on Tuesday (11:30am SA time).

    Following four straight victories after their opening defeat to England, the Proteas Women – currently third on the log – secured their semi-final spot with two matches remaining after rain-affected fixtures in Colombo confirmed they cannot finish lower than fourth.

    Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Klaas said the team was pleased with the qualification but remained focused on the bigger prize.

    “It’s something that every team wanted, but every game is important. With the semi-finals, it’s something that we also wanted, but it doesn’t stop there. Our focus now is tomorrow’s game.

    “We came here with one goal of winning the trophy. So when it comes to rain and stuff, we have no control over that. It worked in our favour because we managed to play 20 overs in our last game.”

    South Africa have beaten Pakistan in 23 of their 31 previous ODIs, including a 2-1 series win in Lahore last month. Klaas, however, stressed that the Proteas Women are not underestimating their opponents.

    “Pakistan is a strong team. We cannot just go there and think that we’re just going to walk in the park. One thing that’s going to work for us is to stick to the basics and do what we’ve been doing from day one of the World Cup. We’re not going to take them for granted. Every game is important to us.

    “We are ready, and we go there with a positive mindset of winning tomorrow’s game.”

    Klaas impressed in South Africa’s previous match at the same venue, taking two key wickets – including that of Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu – to help secure victory via the DLS method.

    “I’m that kind of bowler whereby I’m attacking,” she said. “When I bowl, I focus on one thing, and that one thing is to bowl dot balls. Because if you bowl dot balls, the pressure will come. I’ll say I’m special in my own way, because I can bounce and I can nip the ball in and out. So that’s what makes me special.”

    Photo: Sameera Peiris/Getty Images

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    Simon Borchardt