The Momentum Proteas Women got their preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Australia off to a good start by comprehensively beating Sri Lanka by 41 runs in Adelaide on Sunday, writes ANDRE HUISAMEN.
Sune Luus starred for the South Africans by producing a clinical display with the ball to restrict their opponents in their run chase of 147.
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first and made an immediate impact by removing both openers Lizelle Lee and Dane van Niekerk for ducks.
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But, Marizanne Kapp restored the Proteas innings by smashing 44 runs off 44 deliveries, while Laura Wolvaardt (38 off 24) and Mignon du Preez (28 off 27) helped their team reach 146-5 in their 20 overs.
The respectable total proved too high for the Sri Lankans and they particularly struggled with the spin bowling of Luus, who claimed figures of 4-20 in her four overs.
The islanders’ chase never really got going and they lost wickets at crucial stages of the innings, managing only 105-8 in their 20 overs.
The bowling performances by Luus, Ayabonga Khaka and Van Niekerk proved too challenging and sealed an impressive victory for the Proteas, which will give them much-needed confidence ahead of the start of the World Cup.
They will start their campaign against England on Sunday evening in their Pool B clash, while they will also face Thailand, Pakistan and the West Indies throughout the group stages.
Full list of fixtures for the Momentum Proteas Women:
Tuesday, 18 February 2020
Warm-up 2 vs Australia
Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide from 10:30am
Sunday, 23 February 2020
Match 1 vs England
WACA Ground, Perth from 7pm
Friday, 28 February 2020
Match 2 vs Thailand
Manuka Oval, Canberra from 3pm
Sunday, 1 March 2020
Match 3 vs Pakistan
Sydney Showgrounds Stadium, Sydney from 1pm
Tuesday, 3 March 2020
Match 4 vs West Indies
Sydney Showgrounds Stadium, Sydney from 7pm*
*All local time
Momentum Proteas ICC Women’s T20 squad:
Dane van Niekerk (captain, Eastern Province), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province), Lizelle Lee (North West), Mignon du Preez (Northerns), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Sune Luus (Northerns), Chloe Tryon (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Shabnim Ismail (KZN Coastal), Ayabonga Khaka (Gauteng), Masabata Klaas (North West), Tumi Sekhukhune (North West), Trisha Chetty (KZN Coastal), Nonkululeko Mlaba (KZN Coastal), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Nondumiso Shangase (KZN Coastal).
Management: Hilton Moreeng (head coach), Salieg Nackerdien (assistant coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (manager), Abram Ramoadi (performance analyst), Russell Clarke (strength & conditioning coach), Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (team doctor), Molebatsi Theletsane (physiotherapist), Lucy Davey (media liaison).
