Tryon backs Proteas’ belief in closing out tense chases

Proteas Women’s all-rounder Chloe Tryon reiterated the team’s belief and confidence in making the most of the final ten overs to emerge on the winning side in run-chases at the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.

South Africa recorded another close victory on Monday, beating Bangladesh Women by three wickets with three balls remaining.

It was by no means a pretty win, nor was it a clinical performance from South Africa.

There were multiple errors, including a mix-up between Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch that resulted in the captain’s run-out.

The side got away with their mistakes on Monday, but they may not be as fortunate later in the tournament.

However, there were commendable performances from Tryon (62 and 1/41) and Marizanne Kapp (56) as the pair combined for 85 runs for the sixth wicket to help South Africa secure their third victory in four matches.

Nadine de Klerk smashed an unbeaten 29-ball 37, hitting a four and a six in the final over when South Africa needed eight to win.

Perhaps the biggest positive from the match was the team’s ability to take the game deep — though at times unnecessarily — and make the most of the closing stages.

“We just wanted to take it as deep as we could, and have Nadine at the back end just do what she does best, but I'm happy we got over the line,” said Tryon, who was named player of the match.

“I think we just kept it nice and simple. We tried to take it as deep as we could, tick the runs over and wait for the bad balls to come.

“Just build a good partnership because we felt we needed one of those, taking it to the backend and still backing ourselves in the last ten overs.

“I think we needed 120 off 110 balls, so we were nice and calm out there. We were just waiting for the bad balls and running really hard between the wickets. It's quite easy batting with Kapp — she makes it a little bit easier at the other end. I'm happy that we got the win today.”

South Africa will travel to Colombo to take on Sri Lanka in their fifth fixture of the tournament on Friday. It will be a unique challenge, with Sri Lanka buoyed by home support at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Tryon acknowledged that facing Sri Lanka at home would be a significant test.

“We’ve got another task ahead of us in Colombo,” she said. “It’s been pretty good in the opening three games, a little bit nerve-racking, and we’re going to enjoy this moment, but we have a big game when we get to Colombo.”