Proteas out to clinch ODI series
HAVING made their presence felt in international cricket, especially after some impressive performances against India recently, the Momentum Proteas seem to be maintaining their upward curve.
The Proteas team produced a resounding, 106-run victory in the opening match of the series at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom last Friday, with powerhouse Chloe Tryon bludgeoning nine fours and three maximums to reach 65 from just 42 balls and then took 2/15 in five overs to help SA to their first win.
Then on Sunday, a sensational performance by the bowlers, led by Ayabonga Khaka (3/13) and Raisibe Ntozakhe (3/16) set up the Proteas’ nine-wicket victory at the same venue.
Captain Dané van Niekerk also led from the front and played big all-round roles in setting up the resounding victories.
Salieg Nackerdien who has been appointed acting head coach of the team in the absence of head coach Hilton Moreeng told the DFA that their aim was to maintain their performances against Bangladesh.
“We want to keep up the momentum of our play in all departments from the first two ODIs, as well as putting some more pressure on the Bangladesh team,” he said.
The coach spoke about the importance of keeping focused ahead of a demanding tour looming in the near future. “These fixtures against Bangladesh are excellent preparation before we concentrate on a very important and demanding tour coming up shortly when we travel to England.”
Obviously Bangladesh will look to save the series when the teams meet for the third ODI at the Diamond Oval this morning; the game is scheduled to start at 9.45am.
Good news for cricket fans is that the fourth ODI takes place on Friday at the same time and entrance to the stadium to watch this international match is free.
When the Bangladesh Men’s team played in Kimberley in October last year they had great support from their countrymen, and the Women’s team is expecting a similar turnout as they attempt to pull one back.
Further good news for Kimberlites is that the first T20 between these teams will also take place in Kimberley on Thursday May 17, scheduled for a 1pm start.
Dané van Niekerk (captain), Lizelle Lee, Chloe Tryon, Mignon du Preez , Trisha Chetty, Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka , Masabata Klaas, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Laura Wolvaard. PREPARING THE BATTLEFIELD: Diamond Oval groundsman, Kattie Janse van Rensburg added the final touches to the strip that the Proteas Women’s team and Bangladesh will be using in the third
ODI today.