MOMENTUM PROTEAS KEEN TO CONTINUE ON THEIR UPWARD CURVE
FOR THOSE who suspect that the Momentum Proteas will take their foot off the gas, after going 3-0 up in the five match ODI series against Bangladesh, when they take to the field at the Diamond Oval in the fourth match of the series … think again.
The Proteas women are keen to maintain their upward curve in performance after thrashing Bangladesh by 106 runs in the first game, then by nine wickets in the second, before meting out another nine-wicket pasting at the Diamond Oval on Wednesday.
Impressive haul
SA skipper Dané van Niekerk
There’s no doubt that quickie Ayabonga Khaka, playing in her 50th ODI will be keen to maintain her form after running through the opponents thus far in this series. On Sunday in Potchefstroom she destroyed Bangladesh, taking 3/13 and followed that up with another impressive haul of 3/16 on Wednesday.
Experienced fast bowler Marizanne Kapp (2/14) showed that she had lost none of her venom as the two quickies combined well on Wednesday.
The spirit in the SA camp seems to be extremely positive with the girls cheering each other on and shouting encouragement from all around the field all the time. The constant chatter speaks of a team that is starting to gel; and this is what they will need ahead of their upcoming games against ICC Women’s World Cup champions England.
But they will do well to remember that before the English, they have a job to finish against Bangladesh today and Monday when the final ODI of the series takes place in Bloemfontein.
The performances of the Proteas have not gone unnoticed with MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba set to be paying a visit to meet and greet the two teams this morning before the commencement of the match.
CEO of Northern Cape Cricket Eugene Jacobs told the DFA yesterday of the importance of these warm-up games.
“It is very important for Northern Cape Cricket to host the Momentum Protea Women’s team as they prepare themselves in their journey towards the World Cup.
“They enjoy coming to play at our Oval, but we need the schools, clubs and the greater communities at large, to come out and the support the team.”
Jacobs extended an invitation to Kimberlites to come and enjoy some entertaining cricket, watching the women’s team showcase their talents at the Diamond Oval today.