ICC Women’s World Cup: Proteas Women braced for spin test against hosts India

Having experienced a rollercoaster of emotions thus far in the ICC Women’s World Cup, the Proteas Women are embracing the challenge of facing spin-heavy hosts India on Thursday.

The opposition have had a smooth ride so far, with victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, while Laura Wolvaardt’s team suffered a heavy defeat to England before bouncing back in style against New Zealand a couple of days ago.

“I think we know coming to a World Cup there are going to be a lot of ups and downs, and obviously it didn’t get off to a good start against England,” said Proteas all-rounder Nadine de Klerk.

“But I think this World Cup is all about fight and character at the end of the day, and I think we’ve shown that in the last game.

“We had a couple of discussions just around game plans and how we’re going to go about it. It is the trend of this World Cup that spinners are going to dominate, so it’s just about finding a way.

“And I think to come back after that, the second game has been incredible. To have Tazmin (Brits) and Sune (Luus) stand up and put their hands up after we lost an early wicket has been incredible. It just brings a lot of good vibes and positivity within our group to showcase that we are capable of it, even if the wickets are a bit on the slower side.”

India will pose an altogether different challenge to what the Proteas have encountered so far. The co-hosts boast a balanced attack, with Kranti Goud in impressive form with the new ball. The 22-year-old right-arm seamer claimed three wickets against Pakistan, which earned her the Player of the Match award, before the spin trio of Shree Charani, Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma weaved their magic.

“I think India obviously have a quality bowling attack, especially their two new-ball bowlers who have been quite successful, even in conditions where it’s been a bit more suitable for the spinners,” De Klerk said.

“I think they’re looking to swing the ball early on and they kind of put teams on the back foot by picking up a few early wickets.

“But yeah, like I said, I think we’re well prepared for whatever comes our way, and we do expect it to be spin heavy. It has been whenever we’ve played them really — even in the tri-series, it’s been spin dominant.

“So I think that will probably be the biggest focus, in still trying to get through that new-ball pair that’s been really successful for them over the last couple of months.

“But yeah, I think spin is going to be really key for both sides, and I think whoever plays spin the best will come out on top.”

The Proteas will certainly hope left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba can produce a repeat performance after claiming an impressive 4/40 against New Zealand in the last game. “Lefty” will certainly be crucial to the Proteas’ aspirations of keeping the likes of world No 1 batter Smriti Mandhana, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues in check.

“We’ve assessed conditions well, and I think all our bowlers have the skill sets to adapt to these slower conditions,” De Klerk said.

“And yeah, our spinners are world-class when they’re on song. So hopefully it can all come together for us.”

FULL SQUADS

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase. Reserve: Miané Smit

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud

Start: 11:30am TV: SuperSport